Isko Moreno assures illegal settlers of relocation with rehab of Malate estero

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Saturday assured illegal settlers along the Estero San Antonio Abad in Malate that they will be properly relocated as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) starts with its rehabilitation of the creek.

“Habang nililinis yung creek may puso naman yung DENR sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap na mailagay sa ayos yung maapektuhang pamilya. Dati rin naman tayong squatter, tulad nito ang lilipat dito sa Metro Manila din hindi sa bundok,” Moreno told reporters after inspecting the creek.

According to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu,  20 out of 70 families are still living near the creek.

Cimatu said the clean-up of the creek is a priority as trash and pollutants from it end up at the Manila Bay.

Mayor Isko Moreno and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu inspect Estero San Antonio Abad, Barangay 718 in Malate as shanties are removed with the creek’s rehabiitation. Photo By Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

“Priority natin ang estero na ito na linisan dahil pumupunta ito directly [sa] Manila Bay,” Cimatu said.

Rico Camangin, one of the residents near the creek, appealed to the government to offer financial assistance during the process of their relocation.

“Naipasa na po namin lahat ang inaano lang namin sir sana mapagbigyan yung mga tao na natanggal dito dahil mahirapa ng buhay doon. Matulungan kami ng klaseng ayuda,” Camangin said.

According to the Manila City government, 50 of the illegal settler families who were removed from the estero will be relocated by the National Housing Authority in Tala Caloocan City on June 26.  /muf