Up to 40 structures near the Cagayan de Oro River in Barangay Consolacion were demolished on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

According to the city’s Task Group Demolition, these structures were rebuilt by residents who were made to relocate because the area is a no-build zone.

The task group said the families affected kept on coming back allegedly because their livelihood is in the area.

“Kining mga apektado nato narelocate nani sila gitagaan nani sila og relocation area pero wala pa gihapon sila niadto didto kay naa daw ang ilang panginabuhian sab diri. Halos kini sila tanan narelocate na namo ni kapila na namo ni sila gipanguha diri mubalik gyud sila,” Task Group Demolition Team Leader, Raymond Seno, said.

One of the residents affected has asked the local government for a space where they can build a shelter while the relocation is still being processed.

“Kapila sila sige’g ingon nga adunay relocation pero kapila naman pud gyud na-trace nga kami gyud pud wala, so, nag-apply man gyud mi mura rag girepaso ang among papel kibale wala pa gyud mi giingong nga gitawagan gyud,” Jesrel Tucao, one of the residents, said.

The demolition team explained that some applications for relocation are still being processed.

“Napasabot ra nato although kabalo naman pud sila nga bawal gyud. Ang ila lang gyud kay wala lagi daw silay lain panginabuhian naa ra diri muna gabalik gyud sila,” Seno added.

The team is also expediting the demolition since part of the area is set to be used for the international dragon boat competition as part of the Higalaay Festival this month.