By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 11:12 AM April 10, 2026
PANGLAO, Bohol — The Dumaluan family has denounced the demolition of a gate at Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod, calling it a direct breach of a standing court injunction and vowing to take legal action against those involved.
In a statement issued after the April 9 operation, the family said, “This act is a blatant violation of a lawful court order,” stressing that an existing ruling from a Regional Trial Court in Tagbilaran City should have prevented authorities from proceeding.
They further criticized the manner in which the demolition was carried out, particularly the presence of law enforcers on site.
“The use of overwhelming police force and the resulting injuries to personnel are not only excessive—they are unlawful,” the statement read.
READ: Demolition of resort gate in Panglao proceeds amid legal dispute
At least six individuals were reported injured during a brief commotion after some resort staff attempted to stop the demolition.
The Dumaluans also questioned the legal basis for the operation, emphasizing that the writ of mandamus invoked by authorities could not supersede an injunction. “No writ of mandamus can justify the disregard of a standing injunctive order,” they said.
They reminded officials of their obligation to comply with judicial directives, adding: “Public officials are bound to uphold the law—not ignore it.”
The family said it is now preparing legal remedies to hold accountable those responsible.
“We will pursue all legal remedies to hold those responsible accountable,” the statement added.
Underscoring their position, the Dumaluans declared: “The law must be upheld. Court orders must be respected.”
The incident stems from an ongoing dispute over access and property rights in the coastal area of Panglao, a key tourism destination in Bohol.
Earlier on Thursday, authorities proceeded with the demolition as part of the enforcement of a writ of mandamus ordering the removal of structures allegedly obstructing a barangay road.
The operation was led by Panglao Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay, with police officers deployed to maintain order.
Tensions flared when disagreements arose over whether the gate was covered by the court order. While a guardhouse was dismantled without incident, the situation escalated when authorities moved to include the gate despite objections from resort management.
Resort officials maintained they had secured an injunction and sought a postponement to clarify the scope of the order, but their request was denied.
Authorities, however, insisted the gate constituted an obstruction and proceeded with the demolition, which was completed at around 7 p.m.
