Muntinlupa City squatters brace for demolition

MANILA, Philippines - Informal settlers in Muntinlupa City will barricade routes leading to their place as they brace for possible demolition of their houses on Monday, urban poor group Kadamay said.

Kadamay said that residents of Carmina Compound in Barangay Cupang in Muntinlupa City have been on standby for the demolition, following the first wave of demolition last Thursday.

The group said that Muntinlupa City police chief, Senior Superintendent Roque Vega, has announced that authorities are giving the residents until today to tear down their own homes.

Kadamay said that because of the statement, hundreds of residents decided to set-up their barricades. They are already blocking the East Service Road of the South Super Hi-Way to preempt the entry of demolition teams.

The local organization of the residents also vowed to defend their homes "in all forms."

Meanwhile, informal settlers of Bignay in Valenzuela City will storm their city hall this morning to hold an indignation rally and seek a dialogue with the local government.

They will also call for the immediate release of their arrested leader, Ricardo Gagap.

Residents of Bignay resisted the demolition in their community last Thursday.

The organized urban poor group in the area belied claims of the Valenzuela City government that relocation sites have been provided for the displaced residents.