City won't interfere in Matina demolition case
10.11.2011, 13:11
THE Davao City Government is not in the position to step into the case regarding the alleged illegal demolition of around 16 houses at Alpha Homes Subdivision in Matina Aplaya last Friday, City Housing Office (CHO) chief Cesar M. Dataya said Thursday
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In an interview, Dataya said the demolition order came from the Supreme Court.
"It's a court case. Private property din kasi 'yan. The City Government can just guide the affected families what to do next if ever they will ask for our assistance," Dataya said.
Dataya said he received a call at his office from one of the owners of the houses "illegally" demolished at Alpha Homes.
"I asked them to submit a letter to my office. Since this is a court case, what the City Government can do is possibly to demand explanation from the lawyer of the winning party. The City Government is not in the position to intervene but we are willing to help," Dataya said.
Earlier reports showed one of the affected homeowners complaining about the demolition of their homes claiming they hold titles to these.
Rebecca Estrellado, 38, said the demolition team claimed to have been brought in by the Francisco and Sons.
She said two truckloads of demolition teams just swooped on their homes and immediately demolished their homes despite their protests and attempts to show their titles to the sheriff.
She also accused the demolition team of looting their things.
Rebecca said the case between the homeowners and the Francisco and Sons began in 1998 when the latter allegedly accused them of adverse claims over the property where their houses were built. (AAG)