MANILA, Philippines - Ted Failon (photo) will examine the issues surrounding demolitions happening in Manila such as the increase of the so-called “professional squatters” today in Failon Ngayon.
According to the report of the Metro Manila Inter-Agency Committee on Informal Settlers (MMIAC) there are more than 544,609 houses in Metro Manila that are part of the squatter’s area and the number is still growing, thus the government’s solution is to demolish those houses that are on private properties.
Why do squatters resist the demolitions? Is it because they cannot afford to find another place to live? Or is it because they are protecting their illegal leases?
Just a week ago, a bloody demolition occurred in Parañaque where many civilians were injured and one person died. This is not the first time that demolitions turn into a battle between the informal settlers and the police.
Failon Ngayon airs Saturdays at 5 p.m. on ABS-CBN with replays the next day on ANC at 2 p.m.