Protesting residents in Davao City send private guards to jail after a shooting incident

RELEASE l September 7, 2011

Davao City --- “Ang among panaghiusa, kaisog ug militansya ang nagpapriso kanila,” said Antonina Bariquit, President of Nagkahiusang Kabus sa Purok 13, Bugac, Maa, this city after sending eleven (11) security guards of the Villa-Abrille lot to jail for firing at residents protesting against demolition of their houses.

Tensions that resulted to indiscriminate firing transpired yesterday between armed security guards of the wealthy family Villa-Abrille and the residents of Bugac, Maa after said armed guards continued their earth-filling operations in the still-contested lot.

The security guards, who belonged to Addis Security and Control Risk Agency were sent to jail yesterday, September 6, at the Talomo Police Station. The group’s chief security guard admitted to the act.

Last August 27, 29 and September 2, series of gun firing were committed against the protesting residents in the course of undertaking orders from the Villa-Abrille to demolish the residents in their surrounding claimed properties.

Despite the ‘status quo’ order of the court, Villa-Abrille, which claimed ownership to the disputed property, has been persistent in evicting families who have been residing in Le Jardin, a first – class subdivision being developed by the influential Abrilles.

“In front of our children, despite our pleas, they still pursued back-hoeing our land, cutting our trees and destroying our homes,” said Bariquit.

She said, “Almost 2 months ago, they already cut our electric and water lines, making our daily lives more miserable. They thought that by doing that, we will voluntarily demolish ourselves. Halos adlaw-adlaw mi nga ginapabuthan sa mga security guards sa mga Villa Abrille.”

In a picket rally held yesterday held in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building to condemn the said incident, the residents demanded to the local legislators to probe the incident as well as on the land-claim by the Abrilles.

“We have no better arms but to unite our ranks and fight the demolition which deprives the poor of their homes and livelihood,” said Bariquit.

For Sheena Duazo, Deputy Secretary-General of Kadamay, “ We will be assisting the aggrieved residents in all their efforts to fight for their right to a home, and livelihood.”

Nagkahiusang Kabus sa Purok 13, Bugac, Maa is affiliated with Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY)###

REFERENCE: Deputy Secretary-General of Kadamay Davao, Sheena Duazo (09496270377)