Makati cops to sue 9 over violent demolition

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City police said yesterday it will file charges of direct assault and malicious mischief against an urban poor community leader and eight residents of the Guatemala street compound for attacking police officers and demolition crew members during Monday’s clearing of the compound.

The new city police chief, Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, identified those to be charged as Guatemala Neighborhood Association president Lino Ojos and eight residents arrested during the violent demolition – Dennis Leona, 21; Romulo Leona, 43; Rodito Yaranon, 44; Jestoni Pagamocan, 18; Jerric Abrogar, 18; Ricardo Tarrayo, 20; Michael de Lima, 36 and Gildo Gonzales, 20.

At least 22 persons were injured as demolition crews from the Makati City engineer’s office evicted some 86 families who refused to vacate the 800-square-meter government property.