(Declaring 'all-out-war' vs gov'ts demolition-related violence) Community leaders burn Aquino's images, condemn killings of barricade leaders in a demolition in Caloocan

PRESS RELEASE I July 23, 2011

NORTH TRIANGLE, QC—Urban poor leaders with Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon, a national alliance against demolition, march with red ribbon tied on their arms condemning the killing of bariicade leaders in a demolition in Pangarap Village early this morning. The new victims of demolition-related violence under the Aquino administration are Sol Gomez and Mel Fortadez, community leaders who defend their land against the aggression of the Araneta family.

The leaders, with red ribbons tied on their arms, describe the tragic condition of 'informal settlers' nationwide on Aquino's first year in office as 'among the worst years for urban poor settlers'.  After burning images of Aquino to symbolize for impunity and the condemnation to his government demolition spree, urban poor leaders declare an 'all-out-war' against the administrations plan of more demolitions of urban poor communities.

On its first year alone, the alliance has recorded not less than 35,000 settlers were evicted from their communities and scores of violent demolitions. Some of them garnered international attention such as the demolition of houses in North Triangle in Quezon City, Corazon de Jesus in
San Juan, and Soliman in Davao City.

Aquino's Public-Private Partnership, the program which he introduced on his first State of the Nation Address, permits the demolition of urban poor communities to give way to development projects that favor big foreign and local businesses in the pursuant to neo-liberal policies.

Reference: Estrelieta Bagasbas, AKD National Spokesperson,September23Movement Chairperson (09126490392)