APPROXIMATELY 400 families were displaced by a demolition operation that tore down more or less 80 houses in Matina Crossing on Friday, May 23.
The large-scale operation, stemming from a Special Writ of Demolition (Case No. M-DVO-24-03843-SC), saw a significant deployment of personnel to secure the area.
At 4:00 a.m. Police Station 3 (PS3) of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) conducted a pre-deployment briefing at the Phoenix Gas Station in Matina Crossing, directly across from the Talomo Police Station.
The briefing, led by commander Major Genesis P. Oriel and area supervisor Captain Ryan Kenneth T. Ramones, prepared personnel for the execution of the demolition order.
According to Captain Hazel Caballero, spokesperson for the DCPO, a total of 300 police personnel were deployed to secure the affected areas, specifically Upper and Center Arroyo, which spans an estimated three hectares.
They were joined by a 500-strong demolition team.
During the pre-deployment briefing, authorities emphasized the importance of exercising maximum tolerance, strict adherence to rules of engagement, and maintaining peace and order throughout the operation.
Discussions also covered security cluster coordination, effective crowd control measures, and comprehensive safety protocols to mitigate any potential risks.
Oriel reminded all personnel to remain calm, professional, and vigilant in the performance of their duties to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the orderly and peaceful implementation of the demolition order.
As the demolition proceeded, residents in the Matina Crossing area were advised to stay informed through official channels for further advisories and information.
