Group claiming Agham Road land sues QC mayor for ‘crime against humanity’

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 FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines —  An organization claiming ownership of a piece of property along Agham Road in Quezon City sued Mayor Herbert Bautista for allegedly committing a “crime against humanity” and asked the court for a writ of amparo to dismantle the fence that has “imprisoned” the residents of the community.

The case was filed last Friday at the Manila Regional Trial Court by Rhema International Livelihood Foundation Inc. (House of Rhema) represented by Roberto Apduhan Sr. and Raul Agustino, with office address at Suite 604 Bel-Air Tower, 1020 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila.

A clash erupted on Monday between squatters and policemen over rumors that the shanties along Agham Road in Sitio San Roque, Barangay (village) Pagasa were up for demolition.

According to the rule on the writ of amparo, it “shall cover extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.” Members of the House of Rhema living on the property said their lives have been put at risk for having no access to water, power, food and personal security.

The group said the respondents committed a violation of Republic Act No. 9851, Philippine Act on Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity, for enclosing the property without providing a gate for residents to pass through.

Papers filed in the court describe the House of Rhema as a “lifetime accredited member” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Named respondents were Mayor Bautista; Tadeo Palma, QC government secretary; and Marlowe Jacutin of the city’s Control and Prevention of Illegal Structures and Squatting.

Members of the House of Rhema claim that the city government has not paid them as private owners before the property was sold to Ayala Land Inc.