MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Residents and officials of five barangay (villages) in Intramuros, Manila staged a picket against Intramuros administrator Anna Maria ?Bambi? Harper, who they blame for the loss of their market and health center.

Reporters on their way to interview Harper on preparations for Independence Day chanced on the protest by some 100 persons outside the office of the Intramuros Administration.

According to chairman June Yacob of Barangay 655, Zone 69, District 5, Harper, who is also a columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net), allegedly ordered the demolition of the Intramuros Talipapa (wet market) and the transfer of the Intramuros Health Center (IHC) to Baseco without the consent of barangay captains in the area.

But Harper belied Yacob?s claim, saying she scheduled two meetings but the chairman was unavailable on both occasions.

Harper added that the wet market that was demolished was situated in the middle of the road and was obstructing the traffic in the area.

The IHC, on the other hand, was transferred because it was located in a flood-prone area, Harper said. She added that the IHC would serve more people now that it is in Baseco since the area has a bigger population.

Harper said she suspects the residents are being used by a person the Intramuros Administration is suing for unpaid debts of P12 to the government. However, Harper refused to disclose the person?s identity.

She added that the Intramuros Businessmen Association and Intramuros Residents? Association are planning to file a request for the removal of illegal settlers in private properties within the historic quarter.

?It [Intramuros] does not belong to me and neither does it belong to them,? Harper said. ?It belongs to the Filipino people.?