QC informal settlers resist demolition; negotiations ongoing

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MANILA, Philippine – Tensions rose as authorities attempted to demolish some 1000 houses in Barangay (village) Old Balara in Quezon City Wednesday morning but authorities are trying to prevent an outbreak of violence through negotiations, according to reports culled by INQUIRER.net.

A 990AM report said residents became hostile as they prevented the demolition team together with some 200 policemen deployed in the area from taking down their homes. Some residents also barricaded the middle of Commonwealth Avenue, causing traffic in the area.

Senior Police Officer 1 Alvin Lasam of Station 6 of QCPD told INQURER.net that members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the bomb squad from the Quezon City Police District were also sent to the area.

The residents claimed that they did not receive notice of eviction and that a case was still pending before the Quezon City regional trial court.

But Sherriff Nerie Roy of the QC RTC branch 222 said on radio that the court dismissed the case last week. He added that they issued a notice ordering illegal settlers to vacate the one hectare property of the Madrigal-owned Susana Realty Inc.

Roy admitted that he did not know of any plans to relocate the illegal settlers but said that they informed the Quezon City government and the National Housing Authority of the planned demolition.

The sheriff insisted that they would push through with the demolition this Wednesday.

Residents countered that they would give way to the demolition if they would be given proper relocation and paid P24,000 per family. Kate Evangelista, INQUIRER.net