LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat Province— Twenty-one families destroyed the free concrete houses given to them at a relocation site and after accepting the P1 million compensation from Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu.
Instead, they defied court order to return to a private farmland they had no legal claim to.
Mayor Ferdinand Agduma said the local government, in coordination with the MILF, PNP, AFP, and other stakeholders, had already resolved the dispute through a peaceful relocation agreement. The families were transferred to newly built homes beside the contested land, and were given significant support, including P1 million pesos from Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu.
“Binigyan na sila ng lupa, tatlong hektarya, naka-claim pa sila ng pera, nagbigay pa si Governor Datu Pax Ali ng isang milyon. Ngayon, ako naman, bilang Alkalde ng Bayan, pinagawan ko sila ng bahay dun lang sa tabi ng disputed land. 21 na bahay binigay ko sa kanila. Ano po ba ang gusto nila? Wala naman silang karapatan po talaga sa property.
” But instead of rebuilding their lives, the settlers intentionally wrecked the concrete homes provided to them and chose to stay the disputed property—forcing the LGU to finally enforce the long-standing demolition order.
Their presence led to mounting tensions in the area, with multiple farmers filing complaints of harassment and intimidation.
Even the ABC President of Lambayong, a Moro leader who tried to mediate peacefully, received retaliation and threats from the group.
In the aftermath, several misleading claims surfaced on social media, attempting to pin blame on provincial leaders. Mayor Agduma has clarified that the action was carried out in strict compliance with the law and in defense of legitimate landowners and local farmers. “Ang daming beses na namin pinatawag, ayaw sumipot. Ayaw pumunta. These families were given every chance to start a better life,” Agduma said. “But they chose destruction over dialogue, and defiance over peace. The law must prevail.”
