6 cops, cameraman hurt as Makati demolition turns violent

MANILA -- The demolition of shanties in a residential village area in Makati City on Monday morning turned violent as rock-throwing incidents have injured six policemen and a media worker.

Radio reports said the violence started before noon when the demolition team hired by the city engineering department tried to enter the barricaded Guatemala Street in San Isidro village.

The residents threw rocks and bottles to the members of the demolition team, who were armed with helmets and plywood shields but were forced to retreat.

Authorities tried to disperse the residents by using water cannons but were also forced to back off as the rock-throwing incidents continued.

Six policemen and a cameraman of RPN9 sustained minor injuries due to the incident, authorities said.

The City Government of Makati plans to build a barangay sports complex in the barricaded area, which is home to about 200 families.

Those families whose homes will be demolished were asked to accept financial assistance from the government or a relocation offer in Calauan, Laguna.

The affected families reportedly denied the relocation offer due to proximity issues.

Militant group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) said the relocation program in Laguna does not only lack housing structures "but every facility that a family needs."

The group condemned the recent demolition attempt and the "brutality" of President Benigno Aquino III's administration against the urban poor.

"We will defend our homes against every attempt of demolition by this anti-poor administration," Kadamay said in a statement.

The group added that 10 people have been killed and "tens of thousands" have suffered in the past two years due to "demolition rampage." (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)