The small border towns of Sixaola and Guabito, Panama are 49 km (30 mi) south of Puerto Viejo.

In early April 2012, nine local businesses and residents were formally notified of the impending evictions and subsequent demolitions of their properties, for being in violation of Costa Rica's Maritime Law.

[3] Seventy-six properties (business and residential) have been cited as "in violation" of the Maritime Zoning Laws, with the first phase of demolitions planned for November 2012.

The Vice President made a show of support for villagers in Manzanillo whose homes were scheduled to be demolished.

In March 2014 the Costa Rican legislature approved laws which permitted those residents whose homes were due to be demolished to remain where they were and a law that recognizes the existing coastal towns as well as rectification of the original limitations of the Jairo Mora Sandoval Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge disaffecting the populated areas.