Still no relocation site for Isla Puting Bato fire victims

MANILA, Philippines - Manila officials are still waiting for the National Housing Authority (NHA) to answer their request for the relocation of approximately 5,000 people who lost their homes in a fire in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo.

“We are waiting for the NHA’s answer on the relocation site. There are no more relocation sites in Manila. This would be outside (the city),” Ric de Guzman, city hall chief of staff, said in a phone interview with The STAR.

He said the 5,000 people are being sheltered at the Delpan Sports Complex and are given free food, water and toilet facilities while waiting for their relocation site. Though De Guzman said the fire victims are “well fed,” tension has been rising in the sports complex because several residents have fallen ill and many cannot sleep due to the crowded conditions.

Several of the victims tried to go back to their burned homes just beside the Philippine Ports Authority compound, but were prevented by the PPA security personnel.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) believes the fire was deliberately set since the reclaimed area where the victims’ homes used to stand would be used for the modernization of the harbor as part of the government’s public-private parnership projects.

KMU secretary general Roger Soluta said Isla Puting Bato residents have long been the recipients of arson threats and “this is not the first attempt to burn down their community.”

He accused the Aquino administration of resorting to arson after being criticized for violent demolitions in recent months.