Six people hurt in Talamban: Cops and residents clash in demolition

MANILA, Philippines - The demolition of houses in a lot, whose ownership allegedly remains contested, turned violent yesterday resulting to injuries to six people and the arrest of three others. Injured were five residents and one SWAT team member.

Residents of sitio Kalubihan, barangay Talamban clashed with policemen from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after a heated argument yesterday morning.

The residents contended that the ownership of the property they are occupying is still being contested, which is the reason why they have refused to leave despite an order signed by Judge Douglas Marigomen of RTC Branch 5.

The residents are occupying a 22,000-square-meter lot.

Ramie Inopequiz of the Panaghugpong Kadamay explained that the president of the St. Mary’s Homeowners Association Inc., Julian Libato, has proof that his father is the rightful owner of the place after buying it from a certain Conrado Tudtud.

However, after Maximo Libato, father of Julian failed to develop the lot for 30 years, a certain Lou Diores filed for a new discovery of the said property.

After claiming the land, Diores reportedly sold it to the Bank of Cebu, which sold it to a certain Benjamin Cabinque. 

Cabinque reportedly filed an ejectment case in 2003 and a demolition was done in 2005.

The residents however refused to leave the place and put up their houses again after that.

The younger Libato now claims that he found papers stating that his father was still the owner of the property and has filed an adverse claim for the property to be transferred to his name.

But, Inotequiz explained that while waiting for a decision to be made, the new demolition order was released.

Inopequiz stated that they will be looking at possible cases to file against the members of the SWAT and others who reportedly fought the residents by poking guns at them when they blocked the demolition team from entering the property.

The members of the SWAT also fired seven warning shots to control the crowd said Inopequiz.

He stated that this is just the “first round” of the fight since the residents will not leave their homes and Libato is claiming his right for his land.

Officers from the SWAT explained that the commotion started when the residents refused to let them into the area and became very unruly.

They said that the residents pushed the demolition team backwards, which forced the SWAT team to intervene.

They added that they are willing to face whatever charges would be filed against them.—/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)