Militant group blames Aquino for tragic demolition

MANILA, Philippines—Militant urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) called on every urban poor nationwide to join them as they expressed their outrage over the deaths and injuries of residents in the violent demolition at the Silverio Compound on Sucat Road, Paranaque City, Monday.

Members of the group blamed the Aquino administration for the bloody dispersal by police-backed demolition teams.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Gloria Arellano, Kadamay National secretary general, said two Silverio Compound residents identified as Arnel Tolentino and Raymon Aquino, were killed during the clash after sustaining wounds in the head.

She said about 30 others were arrested.

“We express our condolences to the victims of the [violent demolition] this afternoon. Our brothers have defended their homes until their death. We salute all the brave urban poor residents of Silverio Compound who were never threatened by the bullets, but remained strong as they stand for what they believe is right,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist 2^nd Nominee and Anakbayan-National Capital Region Chairperson Mark Louie Aquino said the bloodshed in Silverio Compound could be likened to the Hacienda Luisita Massacre where seven lost their lives.

He also said that based on the papers obtained by the homeowners association from the Malacañang Action Center, Silverio Compound is part of the list of Pubic Private Partnership project with SM Development Corp., contrary to claims of the local and national government that only the talipapa or market will be demolished.

The 9.7-hectare Silverio Compound, which is home to around 28,000 families, is under the threat of demolition to make way for the construction of condominiums by the SM Development Corp, one of the companies under the SM Group. – Jamie Marie Elona