Structures at disputed island lot demolished

Several structures in Sitio Sinagpa, Barangay Balabag here were being demolished in light of a recent court ruling on a property dispute.  Tapuz and Tirol families have staked claims on the 10-hectare property, but the regional trial court in Kalibo, Aklan, ruled that the property belongs to the Tirols and ordered the demolition of structures there.  Originally, the demolition order covered the entire 10 hectares, but laborers hired for the demolition operated only on a 4-hectare lot, Sheriff Danilo Yap. They started taking down several boardinghouses and a hotel on Monday.  Owners of structures in other areas of the contested property have already vacated their areas, according to Yap.  The court sheriff said the demolition may take two or three days.  “The family affected by the court ruling (the Tapuzes) continues to appeal for reconsideration,” Yap said, “but the demolition order has to be carried out this time. The plaintiff (the Tirols) has spent too much.”  The demolition was originally scheduled on June 21 but was postponed upon the request of the Tapuzes.  Meanwhile, Malay mayor Ciceron Cawaling reprimanded provincial police officers present at the demolition for the “tight security.”  “This is Boracay. Why are the police in full battle gear? This may affect our tourism industry,” Cawaling stressed.  Upon Cawaling’s request, the Aklan Police Provincial Office pulled out its civil disturbance unit from the area./