Kadamay-Davao strongly condemned the Ombudsman’s office for issuing on October 20 a 30-day suspension against Barangay Bucana 76-A, Davao City captain Robert Olanolan. The urban poor residents know that he was suspended for having opposed the demolition in Kabacan and Times Beach communities since January 2024. Olanolan received a copy of the grave abuse complaint filed against him by D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) on October 31, a day after the suspension was imposed. DMCI is one of the companies planning to set up business in the area.

According to Kadamay-Davao, Ecoland Properties and Development Corporation (EPDC) claims ownership of the land in the said area despite residents having long lived there. Small businesses also sprouted in the area. EPDC is one of the largest real estate companies in Davao.

Around 10,000 families are expected to lose their homes and livelihoods if the demolition proceeds. Instead of addressing the grievances of the Kabacan-Times Beac residents and defending their rights, the city council is colluding with EPDC in preparing the relocation site. It is now considering converting farmlands in Barangay Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District for this purpose.

“The suspension of Olanolan is a manifestation of the Philippine government’s anti-poor stance and subservience to the interests of large businesses or corporations such as DMCI and other entities,” Kadamay-Davao said. The organization called on residents to unite and organize, and to demand decent housing and democratic rights in Davao City.