THE military is preparing for the demolition of hundreds of houses which were illegally put up inside the reservation area of Camp Evangelista, home to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) in Cagayan de Oro City.
The 4th ID vowed the military and local government units will provide the “necessary needs” of the 425 families, composed of some 1,974 individuals, who will be affected by the impending demolition.
The land where the illegal settlers built their houses has been declared as a military reservation under Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 1938.
The eviction issue was brought by the illegal settlers before the Supreme Court which rendered its final judgement against the petitioners last year. The military said the decision is “executory.”
The demolition is scheduled this April but there are ongoing discussions to delay the move in consideration of the children who are going to school.
“Local leaders are appealing so the 4th ID is discussing the possible delay,” said 4th ID spokesman Maj. Francisco Garello.
Garello said 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan and local chief executives met Monday and discussed the issue and “positively committed to ensure that the impending demolition will be carried out with utmost sensitivity to the well-being of the residents.”
Garello said the 4th ID, along with barangay officials, conducted pre-demolition conference as early as September last year “in anticipation of the challenges that may arise due to the demotion.”
Garello said the military is optimistic the situation will “end well,” and the military reservation can be used properly “for the betterment of service to the people and the communities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.”
