By Kobe Patrick M. Serinas
SAN MIGUEL, ILOILO – A forced demolition on Oct. 2 left residents of Brgy. San Jose, San Miguel, disappointed and frustrated with the government, claiming mishandling and lack of support.
Under the midday heat, houses of the Saul family and others were demolished, despite protests and negotiations from the family and labor groups.
The demolition followed a ruling from the 14th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC), granting forcible entry to Communities Iloilo, Inc., a real estate developer.
Headed by Juanito “Jojo” Saul, the family opposed the demolition, asserting their claim to the land based on a certificate of land transfer issued to Saul’s father during the Marcos Sr. administration.
“Gabato man kami kay indi sakto, kung sakto lang man way man kami problema, bisan ma surrender pa kami (We’re frustrated because this isn’t right. If it were, we’d willingly surrender),” Jojo said.
The Saul family’s legal issues over the land date back to 2018, but government delays have left them confused and without guidance.
“Ginahambal ka korte retention kuno ang rason ka [Certificate of Land Transfer] cancellation, pero waay man sanda ti may mapakita kung mamangkot kami, daw ginapabungol-bungolan lang (The court claims the land transfer was canceled due to ‘retention,’ but they never provided proof when we asked. It feels like they’re ignoring us),” Jojo explained, voicing his frustration.
Jojo added that they filed an injunction to prevent the demolition, with a hearing set for Oct. 3. However, despite pleas to delay the demolition until then, authorities proceeded with the teardown.
He argued that the land is agricultural and should remain designated for agricultural use if reclaimed by the government, not developed.
“Ang hambal kanamun agricultural land ja tana, pwede da mabuol [with valid reasons], pero dapat mabalik sa gobyerno [kag gamitun sa panguma] (It’s agricultural land; it could be reclaimed for a valid reason, but it should go back to the government for farming use),” he said.
Instead, the land was sold to Iloilo Communities, Inc., a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, owned by the Villar family.
Lanibel Saul, another resident, expressed resentment, stating that even squatters are offered relocation assistance, while her family received none.
“Mayad pa ang squatter may planned relocation, kami waay gid, daw waay lang kakilala ka pumuluyo da (At least squatters get relocation plans, but we’ve been left with nothing),” she said, adding that the San Miguel Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) has yet to contact them as promised.
Residents also criticized their barangay council members for their lack of support during the demolition.
“Kapitan namun waay gani [kapabatyag], galantaw lang [ka demolition] (Our barangay captain didn’t even make his presence felt; he just watched the demolition),” Lanibel said.
“Gina-pressure naman kami sa babaw… wala naman kami choice (We’re under pressure from above… we don’t have a choice),” Delmo said.
Delmo declined further interviews but noted that the case against the Saul family originated in the San Miguel municipal court.
Following the demolition, residents took shelter with neighbors, friends, or family members in other municipalities and provinces.
Jojo thanked those who offered support but noted the absence of government assistance.
“Salamat sa mga nag-upod, pero waay gid. Waay man kami gintaw-an relocation (Thanks to those who helped, but there’s nothing from the government. We weren’t offered relocation),” he said as he prepared to seek temporary shelter for his family.
Families have requested cash assistance from the San Miguel LGU’s MSWDO but have yet to receive aid.
The family’s injunction case to reclaim the land is still pending.
The demolished site is now fenced and secured, with “No Trespassing, Property of Communities Iloilo Incorporated” signs posted.
Kobe Patrick Serinas is a 4th-year Communication and Media Studies student at the University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo.
