(Not only the sheriff but women and children were hurt) Urban poor to Robredo: Stop demolition in Davao City, probe HRVs committed by the PNP, demolition team

NEWS RELEASE I July 6, 2011

QUEZON CITY—Members of militant Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap storm the office of DILG in EDSA to show solidarity to fellow urban poor of Sitio Soliman, Barangay Monteverde, Davao City today challenging Robredo to stop the impending demolition of some 270 houses for possible eruption of violence.

“Instead of dealing with the punching issue, he should not oversee the fact that aside from the sheriff and a policeman, 10 residents were badly injured in the demolition last friday, most of them are women including a 12-year old girl,” Bea Arellano, Kadamay national secretary-general says.

Corazon Espinaoza, an uban poor leader from Davao, who was a victim of police harassment during last friday demolition joins the group of protestors. She challenged Robredo not to be “one-sided” and act like only the sheriff is hurt and needs reprisal for the conduct of Inady Sara.”

“Robredo has the capacity to intervene in the issue, as he did in the demolition cases of Laperal in Makati and Corazon de Jesus in San Juan, especially when public safety is at clear risk,” Arellano remarks.

Residents vow to defend their houses anew at all cost come July 9 when the 10-day stay order issued by Davao Jude Emmanuel C, Cario, expires.