Militant groups march to Corazon de Jesus in solidarity with the victims of violent demolition of homes

PRESS RELEASE l 12 January 2012
KALIPUNAN NG DAMAYANG MAHIHIRAP

Urban poor group Kalipnunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) led this morning members of other sectoral organizations under Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon (AKD), as they expressed their solidarity with the victims of violent demolition of homes in Corazon de Jesus, San Juan City.

They condemned the demolition rampage of the Aquino administration, calling Aquino as truly a 'Demolition King.'

Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon claimed in its statement, “The collusion between the Ejercitos and the Aquino administration that ensues the demolition of homes in Corazon de Jesus, San Juan City is very evidident.”

Estrelieta Bagasbas, AKD spokesperson said, “Yesterday's demolition of homes is 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 groups called for a nationwide moratorium on demolition of urban poor communities.

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.

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Kadamay condemned the accusation of Cong. JV Ejercito that militant non-resident groups have made the situation worse. The group asked 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 it's the residents who led the defense until the end. 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,” Kadamay national vice chair Carlito Badion said.

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

“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,” the leader ended. ###

The group also called on other urban poor groups "to extend their support for the victims of demolition, and help them in rebuilding their homes."

Reference: Carlito Badion, AKD lead convenor, Kadamay national vice chair (09393873736)