4 leaders of militant group to be charged for Agham Road clash in QC

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 MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Quezon City Police District will be charging four leaders of a militant group for allegedly leading a violent clash between squatters and lawmen near a slum community along Agham Road on Monday.

Facing charges are Estelita Bagaspas, Arnulfo Anoos, Carlito Badios and Josephine Lopez of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap.

Senior Supt. Richard Albano, the QCPD director, said they would file indirect assault, obstruction and illegal assembly against the four leaders.

The official claimed that the four led the violent confrontation on Monday morning between policemen and 200 protesters in San Roque II, Barangay Bagong Pagasa. Cops claimed improvised explosives were hurled by the protesters.

Supt. Pedro Sanchez, the Masambong police station commander, said five policemen were hurt by rocks thrown at them by the angry residents.

The injured policemen were PO1 Larry Taguiling, PO2 Ricky Gacelo, PO1 Nagal Kares, PO3 Rodolfo Sabucor, and PO2 Ruel Larobis.

Sanchez claimed that protestors even hurled human excrement, which hit a Commission on Human Rights representative, PO2 Gervic Carlo Hidalgo and PO1 Marbie Duruin.

The clash began as the residents gathered in a rally at around 7 a.m. to protest the demolition of their homes after the lapse of a 30-day grace period.

However, there was no scheduled demolition on Monday. The residents insisted on blocking Agham Road from motorists, prompting law enforcers to remove the blockades, leading to the heated confrontation.