DILG probes claim syndicate agitating informal settlers

North Triangle residents in Quezon City set up their barricades in anticipation of a possible demolition of their homes. Urban poor Group Kadamay claimed that some 500 families are to be evicted from their homes to give way an 11.3-m road-widening project along Agham Road. NOY MOROCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of the Interior and Local Government will look into allegation that a group of “professional squatting syndicate” is funding resistance efforts of informal settler-families (ISFs) who are not under the government’s relocation program.

Interior Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez issued the statement after Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista claimed that the remaining ISFs along Agham Road were being supported by a professional squatting ring.

The mayor claimed that the supposed syndicate asked P1,000 from each family in return for helping them resist demolition of their houses.

“We will have to look into this and file charges if necessary,” Fernandez said.

Earlier Monday, violence erupted between North Triangle residents and authorities after dwellers, backed by urban poor group Kadamay, set up barricades along Agham Road in anticipation of a possible demolition.

As tension heightened, protesters hurled stones and three policemen were injured.

Pillbox and Molotov explosives were also thrown and several blasts were heard.

The residents said they set up the barricades in protest against the 11.3-m road widening project along Agham Road.

The DILG said around 6,000 of the 10,000 ISFs near Agham Road have already been relocated to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, through the joint efforts of the DILG, National Housing Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission, and the Quezon City government.

Of the 10,000 ISFs beneficiaries of the government’s relocation program, 4,000 have opted to stay at Agham Road.

“May mga leader ng squatting syndicate dyan na ayaw umalis at hinihimok pa yung iba na mag-stay kasi mawawala yung raket nila dyan. Bukod sa pautang sa construction materials tulad ng hollow blocks, may naglalakad din dyan upang mabigyan sila ng kuryente at tubig na pinababayaran ng mga ISF buwan-buwan,” Bautista earlier said.

DILG said those who have transferred to San Jose Del Monte are now enjoying decent housing provided by the government which is payable at P200 a month for 25 years.