Defend Job denounces use of guns, tear gas and violence in demolition in Quezon City, Philippines

Please consider expressing your support here:

http://www.escr-net.org/node/365387

On January 28^th, more than 1000 forces of the National Police and demolition team of the Philippines forcibly evicted and demolished the homes and livelihoods of more than 200 residents of San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City. Reports received allege that no prior notice was given to residents and that many families were left homeless as a result of the police action. An organization working to defend the rights of the urban poor in the cities of the Philippines, Defend Job is calling for solidarity in the form of appeal letters to the Government of the Philippines.

According to Defend Job, the demolition team used guns, tear gas and brute force. Several children reportedly suffocated, as a result of the tear gas and were brought to hospitals with signs of trauma.

The evictions and demolitions at North Triangle, Quezon City are expected to continue the following days. Since July 2010, more than 5500 families who are residents of Quezon City have faced continued threats of demolition and massive displacement to give way to the implementation of the Vertis North Project under the Quezon City Central Business District. The mega-development will include the construction of 45 towers consisting of commercial, condominium, hotels, retail shops and business properties.

Residents of the affected area have not remained passive in the face of these theats. On September 23, 2010, for example, more than 2000 demolition moved to demolish the homes of San Roque residents. However, the residents managed to prevent the demolition, thanks to their collective effort to form a human barricade out of 4,000 people in order to defend their community.

Please consider expressing your support here:

http://www.escr-net.org/node/365387

 

Melona R. Daclan
Campaign Director, Defend Job Philippines
Telephone: +63-02-3535760
Mobile: +639267856299 and +639289069223


Defend Job Philippines is a member of International Network for Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR Network)

(Photo contributed by Defend Job Philippines)