Salmonan area fenced off

THE area in Barangay 26-C, Salmonan, Quezon Boulevard has been fenced off yesterday by the demolition unit during the second day of the execution of the writ of demolition notice.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said that they have successfully enforced the writ of demolition due to the collaborative efforts of security forces and consultative meeting with concerned parties.

“The demolition operation is generally peaceful and orderly due to the series of dialogues, negotiations and the swift, overwhelming security forces deployed numbering more than 1,200 in the surrounding area. It is a classic shock and awe effect,” Tagum said.

Unlike in the first day of demolition where tensions aroused when few residents tried to stop the dismantling of their structures, Tagum said that residents at last conceded yesterday.

“Wala ng resistance from the affected settlers. This afternoon, totally fenced off na ang area,” he said.

Since it was already cordoned, residents are no longer allowed to enter, otherwise, they will face trespassing charges. A security agency will also secure the area.

Meanwhile, during Monday’s operation, they arrested individuals who

showed resistance and were possibly inciting violence among other residents in the area.

“We released them after finding that they, too, belong to the affected residents of the demolished area. We sympathized with their dire situation and so we adapted a more humane treatment,” he said. Tagum also clarified that they were merely temporarily held for protective custody.