[Condemns unabated HRVs related to demolition as the nation looks back at Marcos' Martial Law rule] 'PNoy, tyrant as Marcos'—anti-demolition network

RELEASE l September 21, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—A network of citizens against demolition of urban poor communities in a statement, today says compares President Aquino to the late President Ferdinand Marcos in their treatment to the urban poor sector, after two communities in Quezon City where demolished amidst questions on the legality of the eviction. Today, the nation commemorates the anniversary of Marcos' Martial Law declaration 39 years ago, which has started of one of the infamous period in the country's history.

Carlito Badion, lead convenor of Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon, says: “Residents were surprised yesterday when demolition team arrived in a community of urban poor in Brgy. Baesa and attempted to evict the residents from their homes. "

"Today, authorities completely wipe out the said community leaving some 300 families homeless, including the children and the aged, as the residents question the legality of the operation. This coincides with the demolition of another community in the East Triangle area of QC, along BIR road, as part of the clearing of urban poor communities to jumpstart the implementation of Quezon City Central Business District," Badion adds. "This shows how brutal the current administration is, no different from the Marcos dictatorship during the Martial Law years judging on the gross human right violations committed on the urban poor sector."

The network reveals that the demolition rampage since the president assumes his post as the chief executive has already cost four lives as of this date, hundreds of physical injuries, while thousands of families were left homeless. Some were dumped in relocation sites where families experienced the worst form of social degradation.

"Just like during Martial law years, police and military serve as agent in harassing the urban poor who resist the demolition of their homes," Badion says.

Worst demolition cases
The network has been receiving reports of demolition threats to urban poor communities nationwide on a weekly basis since August, tagging Quezon City as the worst place for urban poor settlers. The worst case so far are those of residents being open-fired at by private security guards in Maa, Davao City and in Pangarap Village, Caloocan City where two barricade leaders were slain.

The alliance says some 360,000 families will be evicted from their communities in the coming months and years as the government pursues its priority development projects as part of its Public-Private Partnership program.

Reference: Carlito Badion, Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon Lead Convenor l 09393873736