The “current practice and implementation of demolition of urban poor communities is gravely inhuman, unjust and oppressive in the eyes of God and civil society.” – Church People – Urban Poor Solidarity
“This system that uses the police to hurt people to protect the interest of the few should change.” – North Triangle resident
“While the government has no concrete plans for informal settlers, no demolition should take place in communities.”
“I know you know what is happening to us. You might have seen it on television. But it seems that rich people are more important to you. What will happen to us?” – a resident’s message to President Benigno Aquino III
The violent clash between urban poor residents along Agham road in Quezon City and policemen were shown in news reports that evening July 1. But what was not shown was how the clash erupted and what were the reasons for the adamant struggle of the urban poor residents.
A member of the demolition team suddenly grabbed Maybellin Fronda, 2 years old, resulting in a spinal injury even if her mother was already about to leave their house to give way to the demolition.
“The residents would prefer to live along danger zones than relocating to death zones.” – Kadamay
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — The residents of Guatemala St., Brgy. San Isidro, Makati City are up for a showdown with the demolition team of the local government and against elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on September 19. After failing to convince, harass or pressure the urban poor residents of…
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“We will defend our houses, we will defend our rights. We have as much right to live in Makati as the rich folk here.”
Groups call Ombudsman to conduct investigation on violent demolitions (Photo by Igal Jada San Andres / Bulatlat.com)
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
“It was a human barricade. We did not gear for a gunfight.” — Sheila Bernal, a resident and president of Samahan ng Pagkakaisa at Rekonsilasyon sa Silverio.