Militant groups condemn eviction of Tarlac residents

MABALACAT CITY -- The Anakpawis Partylist-Gitnang Luson has condemned the recent attack of 20 security guards to residents of Block 7, Brgy. San Roque, Tarlac City who are still mourning John Cali Lagrimas' death, the 15-year-old shooting victim during the demolition operation last October 2. 

Anakpawis Partylist-Tarlak chapter said that on October 6, about 10am, security guards hired Dennis Junio, a claimant of the lot, attempted to occupy the lot but faced questioning from residents who are at Lagrimas’ wake.

The guards reportedly shot them with their firearms wounding April Joy Sangalang, Ariel Valdez and Dante Yumang.  The victims were brought to Ramos Hospital in said city.   

Residents said Junio failed to show sufficient proof of his ownership of the lot, thus, there is a pending motion for nullification at the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court.  Before the violent demolition last October 2, a hearing on October 12 was set.  Thus, residents have been determined to defend their rights on the land as they have been residing there for about 50 years.  

"It is very tragic for us that we are being treated as animals. We are yet to bury Lagrimas and are still mourning and here they come shooting us with their firearms.  They have no respect for Lagrimas' wake and again they try to kill us," Jose Lamon, Chairperson, Anakpawis Partylist-San Roque Tarlac.

As of this writing, two wounded residents are already discharged at the Ramos Hospital while the other victim was still under observation due to unrecovered slugs. 

Residents said that the demolition last October 2 was illegal but their houses were demolished by a composite team of about 200 elements of demolition team, 100 elements of Philippine National Police (PNP) from Camp Macabulos in Tarlac City and Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga and 20 elements of Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team. 

Karapatan-Tarlac said that residents especially women and children of Brgy. San Roque were traumatized by the violent incident. Reports said that policemen pointed guns on them to immediately leave the said land. Also, the demolition resulted to wounding of many residents and supporters that were brought to the nearest hospital. 

“Anakpawis Tarlac and Central Luzon condemn this brutal act of security guards to the residents of San Roque, Tarlac. It is very clear that this is another desperate act to evict the residents from their land,” said Joseph Canlas, Regional Coordinator of Anakpawis Partylist-Gitnang Luson.