Kadamay members storm Rizal housing project

MANILA, Philippines — Around 500 members of the militant group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) tried to occupy a housing project for soldiers and police officers in Rodriguez, Rizal yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Lou Evangelista, Rizal police director, said the Kadamay members arrived at the La Solidaridad Estate Homes in Barangay San Isidro at around 5 a.m.

“They held a rally, but they did not occupy any house... They dispersed at around 2:30 p.m,” Evangelista said.

At a dialogue with Kadamay members, Evangelista and representatives of the National Housing Authority (NHA) said the beneficiaries of the housing project have started paying for their units.

Kadamay chairperson Gloria Arellano said the housing units have been idle for more than five years and should be given to the poor.

Some 6,000 families were awarded housing units in a government project in Pandi, Bulacan which they occupied in March last year.

However, the NHA said it had validated reports that at least 600 housing units awarded to Kadamay members were put up for rent. There were also reports that some recipients sold their houses or applied for units in another government project.

NHA officials said they would be more alert in guarding housing projects targeted by Kadamay. – Romina Cabrera