Scores hurt in Parañaque demolition

Scores were hurt when residents resisted the demolition of their houses in Barangay Sun Valley, Parañaque yesterday.

After several attempts, a demolition crew backed by elements of the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office (RSAU-NCRPO) demolished 180 houses on a private property in Garville Subdivision.

Chief Inspector Enrique Sy, commander of Parañaque Police Precinct 3, said the demolition was enforced through an order issued by Judge Fortunito Madrona of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court-Branch 274.

"Residents were actually tenants in the area and they have not been able to produce payment for quite a while," Sy said.

The subject property is reportedly owned by former Batangas Gov. Tony Leviste, husband of vice presidential candidate and former senator Loren Legarda.

Sy said a team from the Parañaque police rushed to the demolition site to check on an alleged shooting incident.

However, the responding team, led by Inspector Joey Caise, learned that the "shots" came from tear gas canister launchers fired by members of the RSAU-NCRPO.

Tear gas was used when residents fought with police and the demolition crew.

A still undetermined number of people were hurt when angry residents and members of the demolition team threw stones at each other.