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Amid the calls to “stay at home” and “work at home,” an urban poor group said thousands of Filipinos do not have roofs over their heads in the first place.
“The fear of getting caught and arrested during clearing operations has always been there. I have always felt the discrimination, not just because I am a Muslim woman, but because I am poor and without a decent job.”
Most of the victims who fell prey to the bloodied claws of tokhang are economic providers in their respective families. Evidently, the result of this senseless war on drugs has exacerbated the already precarious state of poor families in this barangay.
“Urban poor advocates are not spared in this widespread crackdown against progressive organizations. We have to be even more vigilant.”
Notices of demolition were not signed by any judge and were posted a few days before the actual demolition.
"We hope our politicians learn their lessons and look closely at the plight of the poor. We are Filipinos.”
“They have long been trying to divide our ranks and our unity in our struggle. They (pro-government forces) have been convincing our members to leave Kadamay."
“I learned from the process that 'wants' of these urban poor families are what may be considered as 'basic' for those who are considered in the middle class.”
“They thrive on generating fear within the community only to make way for their multi-billion endeavor. It shows how those in power, public and private sector, put a premium on profits while neglecting the fact that the residents have a legitimate basis for staying and then punishing them for it. Even if it costs the life of someone as innocent as an unborn child.”
The occupants decried the government’s prioritization of commercial and business ventures instead of housing projects for the poor despite ongoing negotiations between the agencies and the community.
Two urban poor activists who were forcibly disappeared on Saturday, April 13, were surfaced today in a police detention facility in Malolos, Bulacan.
Abducted community organizers were among the members of Kadamay who occupied the abandoned government housing in Pandi, Bulacan.
"Setting a high standard indicates the government having a high level of ambition for poverty eradication. Conversely, setting a low standard indicates low targets for dealing with the poverty situation."
In a statement, Kadamay said they feel "deep kinship" towards farmers as many of them hailed from provinces, earning a living by tilling the land but their dire conditions forced to leave for Manila to find better job opportunities.
"This is part of an all-out assault against the people to further their repressive chokehold on ordinary Filipinos.”
“In truth, all of this panic mongering and “red scare” angling is being spurred by the authorities to justify increased repressive measures taken against critics of the government.”
“Sa Digma ng Halimaw is a collaboration not only between us theater practitioners but more importantly, with them who have told us their stories and allowed us to retell them- they are the heart of the play.”
"They will judge us. They'll say, 'there goes the Kadamay again! Always rallying!' We can't do anything; we need to fight."
Gabriela Women’s Party Reps Arlene D. Brosas and Emmi de Jesus recommended measures to secure the shelter and livelihood of around 6,000 poor households in Vitas, Tondo, Manila.
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