Munti mayor defuses brewing demolition violence

MANILA, Philippines - What could have been a violent demolition in Muntinlupa City was defused after illegal settlers occupying Carmina Compound and the property owner heeded Mayor Aldrin San Pedro’s call to settle amicably.

Last Friday, San Pedro held separate dialogues with the lot owner’s lawyer and residents of the compound located in Barangay Cupang to lay down the terms and conditions before any eviction can push through. The compound, which is along the East Service Road fronting the Skyway, is now considered prime property.

San Pedro said negotiations between owner Sonia Lim and the illegal settlers had been going on for years. Tensions only sparked when a Muntinlupa court rendered a decision approving the demolition — which Lim reportedly heeded without the settlement demanded by the residents.

“Any actions will be postponed until the demands are settled. I’m thankful that we reached a compromise,” San Pedro told The STAR during the dialogue. The mayor ran with a platform that no demolition will happen under his term.

City police chief Superintendent Eleazar Matta said the residents started to gather last Tuesday to protest the impending demolition. “I really thought there would be a commotion. I’m glad they chose to listen,” he said.

According to San Pedro, the residents are divided into two factions. The first is composed of 124 families and has requested that a right of way be given to them first for the vacant lot in Barangay Dila in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which the owner purchased as relocation site.

The second faction has 166 families and demanded P36,000 compensation for each household before they leave the compound. San Pedro said Lim’s group have agreed to give each household a P15,000 for down payment, while the rest of will be paid once the lot has been sold.