A tense confrontation erupted between residents of Purok Arabia, Barangay Bebe Anac, Masantol, Pampanga and a demolition team on Thursday morning, May 21, 2026. The scheduled demolition of approximately 100 houses was temporarily halted after local officials intervened.
The Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) Region 3 was serving the writ of demolition. Residents united in protest, appealing for more time to exhaust legal remedies against the eviction. Myra Razon, who has lived in the area for nearly 40 years, stated that the land was originally intended for agricultural use under the Pampanga Delta Development Project. However, she noted that the area was later converted into a residential community through projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government unit.
Individuals seen preparing to carry out the demolition declined to provide statements despite repeated requests for comment. Masantol Mayor Danilo Guinto arrived at the scene and spoke with a DARAB Region 3 official who was serving the writ. The mayor appealed for a 10-day extension to allow the residents and the local government unit to exhaust all legal remedies to prevent the demolition. The appeal was granted.
Councilor Bajun Lacap, who also visited the village, vowed to support the affected residents regardless of the outcome of the legal process. Women and children were reportedly staying inside their homes as part of the protest. A group of men gathered around the area, outnumbering the demolition personnel present at the site.
Lawyer Mike S. Pama, legal consultant of the municipal government, confirmed that the property is currently being administered by the municipal government through a memorandum of agreement. Pama added that the affected residents are coordinating with the LGU. He said that a group of complainants claiming the property did not include the municipality in the case they filed; instead, they filed complaints directly against the occupants of the land.
Major Jimmy Malonzo, Masantol Municipal Police Station Chief, together with other police personnel, responded to maintain peace and order. As of posting time, no structures have been demolished.
