Collusion between Aquino and the Ejercitos

PRESS STATEMENT l JANUARY 11, 2012
ALYANSA KONTRA DEMOLISYON

We condemn the collusion between the Ejercitos and the Aquino administration that ensues the demolition of homes in Corazon de Jesus, San Juan City--the most violent and brutal attack to date to the rights of the urban poor.

We call on Malacanang to explain and for yet another violent demolition of urban poor communities that has been a trend under his administration. Aquino and the Ejercitos should be made accountable for the gross human right violation.

The residents have resisted the demolition for hours, forcing the armed demolition team and sniping units to use tear gas to penetrate the barricade. It only shows the residents of Corazon de Jesus are more prepared compared to the last year's similar demolition of homes.

We condemn the accusation of Cong. JV Ejercito that militant non-resident groups have made the situation worse. We ask him: When does helping the oppressed become a crime?

Truly, the support of other groups has contributed to the residents’ stern resistance against the demolition. But the Ejercito administration should not underestimate the dismay and rage of his constituents that will later take its toll on the political career of his family.

It is the Ejercitos, not the supporters, who should be grilled in the hot seat for committing such heinous crime witnessed millions of televiewers not only in the Philippines, but worldwide.

Finally, Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon, together with different urban poor groups under its umbrella expresses its solidarity with the victims of the Ejercito-Aquino demolition rampage in San Juan.

We vow to make our defense ever stronger against every demolition of our homes nationwide.

We vow to make the Aquino administration accountable for being a staunch endorser of ‘development programs’ under his Public-Private Program, at the expense of the basic rights of the people. ###

Reference: Carlito Badion, lead convenor, 09393873736