Informal settlers to fight demolition in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines - Urban poor groups on Monday barricaded the road going to the homes of informal settlers in Mandaluyong City to thwart a possible demolition. 

The Manggahan Neighborhood Association  of Barangay Old Zaniga with the local chapters of  militant groups, Anakbayan, Gabriela, Anakpawis and Kadamay, set-up the barricade at the entrance of their community around 8 a.m. to prepare for the possible demolition of homes of some 700 affected families. 

They will try to defend their homes as the 10-day notice of demolition issued by the City Sheriff lapsed today.

The militant groups said the disputed property is being claimed by private claimant Royal Enterprise Inc. despite a resolution issued by the Municipal Council in 1994 expropriating the land area. 

However, the urban groups claimed that Mayor Benhur Abalos is pushing for the demolition

The affected families are also calling for the scrapping of pork barrel and rechannel the funds to expropriate land and implement social housing plan instead. 

The militant groups said the people will resist demolition since no relocation site was offered. 

Financial assistance of P5,000 to P10,000 was reportedly offered, the groups added. 

In case the demolition pushes through, residents will march to the Mandaluyong City Hall.