Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information about allegedly illegal demolition of around 120 houses in Florentino St., Sto. Domingo, Quezon City on April 10-11, 2013. The information sent to the AHRC by Barangay Sto. Domingo Settlers Association through Defend Jobs Philippine asserts that the demolitions were carried out in violation of the ongoing legal case in the Court of Appeals. The organizations allege that the demolition team had neither had a court order with them nor was sheriff present at the venue.
The AHRC notes with concern the fact that the demolitions step up the ongoing assault on urban poor coupled with governmental apathy and inaction.
CASE NARRATIVE:
On April 10, 2013, the residents of Florentino St., Sto. Domingo, Quezon City found themselves surrounded by a huge police contingent. About 20 of the policemen then entered the community and informed the residents that a raid will be conducted to “video karera” machines operations. (Video horse racing is known in the Philippines, as “video karera.” These games are often raided by police as some proprietors try to evade taxes). After initially allowing the police enter on the pretext of raids, the residents were all surprised by the police who declared that this was no raid but a demolition mission. Only a few minutes after the declaration at 9.30 in the morning, a demolition team headed by Mr. Marlowe Jacutin of Task Force for the Control, Prevention and Removal of Illegal Structures and Squatting(COPRISS) descended on the scene.
The community members tried to negotiate with the policemen and the demolition team through Mrs. Betty Meneses, Secretary of #16 P. Florentino St., Sto. Domingo Settlers Association. Mrs Meneses challenged the legality of the operation as community’s legal case is still being heard at the Court of Appeals and the demolition team had no court orders validating the demolition. Even the sheriff was not present with them at that time. However, Voltaire Alcantara of COPRISS said that the said matter is already closed and that a Notice of Demolition was already signed by the City Mayor of Quezon City. He told the community that the City Mayor has already issued a Certificate of Compliance and showed a Memorandum addressed to Mr. Marlowe Jacutin of Task Force COPRISS from the Office of Mr. TAdeo Palma regarding the Request for Clearance on the Resumption of the implementation of Memorandum dated June 7, 2010 against the illegal structures within the lot owned by Melona Land Development Corp. dated February 4, 2013.
Despite the residents not being convinced, the demolition team started bringing down the houses at 10.00 in the morning. Personnel belonging to Melona Land Development Corporation were also present throughout the demolitions and were offering P25 000 “financial assistance” to the residents. Majority of the residents were forced to accept the money for many reasons and they had no other options left.
The COPRISS finished the demolitions on the second day leaving more than 120 families in pitiable situation. Apart from the houses, around 7 small stores, 2 computer shops, 1 vulcanizing shop, 2 beauty parlor shops, 1 fish store and 1 barbecue store were also demolished in the process. The victims now have no place to live or even take shelter. Their livelihood security is also seriously compromised. Worst affected by the demolitions are more than 500 children as their access to their schools located in nearby areas is now hindered.
Currently, there are around 30 families who refused to accept the financial assistance and are asserting their right to housing and rehabilitation program. They have appealed to the City Government of Quezon City as well as to the National Housing Authority which comes under the Office of the President. They have built makeshift tents in P. Floretino St., and are living in them.
After the demolitions, the residents, through their President Edith Orong, had a meeting with Mr. Tadeo Palma, the Secretary to the Mayor of Quezon City. In the meeting, they demanded immediate relocation acting upon which Mr. Tadeo Palma asked the officials of the urban Poor Affairs department of Quezon City to consider the demand of the residents. The residents were. It was only on April 12 that the residents were given the list of requirements for the relocation following which 30 residents immediately submitted requirements. The residents had a follow up meeting on April 30 but the authorities have yet not offered a concrete and immediate response barring offering a relocation site in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the authorities mentioned below demanding immediate intervention for ensuring the right to housing and livelihood of the victims of the demolition drive. You may also demand an inquiry into the legality of the demolitions.
The AHRC is also writing a separate letter to the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination seeking an intervention in this case.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear____________
PHILIPPINES: Immediately relocate the victims of demolition drive in Quezon City
Name of the victims: Residents of about 120 houses on April 10-11, 2013.
Alleged Perpetrators: Officials of the Task Force for the Control, Prevention and Removal of Illegal Structures and Squatting(COPRISS) and Police
Date and Time of the incident- 10-11 April, 2013
Place of incident: Florentino St., Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
I am writing this to drag your kind attention to demolition drive in Quezon City that has rendered many families shelterless and have threatened their livelihood and food security. On April 10, 2013, the residents of Florentino St., Sto. Domingo, Quezon City found themselves surrounded by a huge police contingent. About 20 of the policemen then entered the community and informed the residents that a raid will be conducted to "video karera” machines operations. (Video horse racing is known in the Philippines, as "video karera." These games are often raided by police as some proprietors try to evade taxes). After initially allowing the police enter on the pretext of raids, the residents were all surprised by the police who declared that this was no raid but a demolition mission. Only a few minutes after the declaration at 9.30 in the morning, a demolition team headed by Mr. Marlowe Jacutin of Task Force for the Control, Prevention and Removal of Illegal Structures and Squatting(COPRISS) descended on the scene.
The community members tried to negotiate with the policemen and the demolition team through Mrs. Betty Meneses, Secretary of #16 P. Florentino St., Sto. Domingo Settlers Association. Mrs Meneses challenged the legality of the operation as community's legal case is still being heard at the Court of Appeals and the demolition team had no court orders validating the demolition. Even the sheriff was not present with them at that time. However, Voltaire Alcantara of COPRISS said that the said matter is already closed and that a Notice of Demolition was already signed by the City Mayor of Quezon City. He told the community that the City Mayor has already issued a Certificate of Compliance and showed a Memorandum addressed to Mr. Marlowe Jacutin of Task Force COPRISS from the Office of Mr. TAdeo Palma regarding the Request for Clearance on the Resumption of the implementation of Memorandum dated June 7, 2010 against the illegal structures within the lot owned by Melona Land Development Corp. dated February 4, 2013.
Despite the residents not being convinced, the demolition team started bringing down the houses at 10.00 in the morning. Personnel belonging to Melona Land Development Corporation were also present throughout the demolitions and were offering P25 000 "financial assistance” to the residents. Majority of the residents were forced to accept the money for many reasons and they had no other options left.
The COPRISS finished the demolitions on the second day leaving more than 120 families in pitiable situation. Apart from the houses, around 7 small stores, 2 computer shops, 1 vulcanizing shop, 2 beauty parlor shops, 1 fish store and 1 barbecue store were also demolished in the process. The victims now have no place to live or even take shelter. Their livelihood security is also seriously compromised. Worst affected by the demolitions are more than 500 children as their access to their schools located in nearby areas is now hindered.
Currently, there are around 30 families who refused to accept the financial assistance and are asserting their right to housing and rehabilitation program. They have appealed to the City Government of Quezon City as well as to the National Housing Authority which comes under the Office of the President. They have built makeshift tents in P. Floretino St., and are living in them.
After the demolitions, the residents, through their President Edith Orong, had a meeting with Mr. Tadeo Palma, the Secretary to the Mayor of Quezon City. In the meeting, they demanded immediate relocation acting upon which Mr. Tadeo Palma asked the officials of the urban Poor Affairs department of Quezon City to consider the demand of the residents. The residents were. It was only on April 12 that the residents were given the list of requirements for the relocation following which 30 residents immediately submitted requirements. The residents had a follow up meeting on April 30 but the authorities have yet not offered a concrete and immediate response barring offering a relocation site in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan.
I, therefore, urge you to ensure that,
1. The victims are provided with an immediate relocation to livable lace not far away from their area of work,
2. Victims are provided unhindered access to basic amenities like food, water, sanitation until the relocation,
3. Victims are provided with adequate compensation for all lost and destroyed properties,
4. Legality of the demolition drive despite the ongoing court case is investigated by an independent body and those found guilty are prosecuted,
5. Ensure an independent investigation into the human rights violations of the victims during the two day drive.
.
Sincerely,
_____________
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Benigno Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
2. Ms. Loretta Ann Rosales
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Tel: +63 2 928 5655 / 926 6188
E-mail: chair.rosales.chr@gmail.com
3. Corazon Juliano-Soliman
Secretary, Department of Social, Welfare and Development
Constitution Hills, Batasan Pambansa Complex,
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel/Fax: +63 (2) 931-81-91
4. Sec. Joel Rocamora
Lead Convener
National Anti-Poverty Commission
3rd Floor, Agricultural Training Institute Building
Elliptical Road, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 927 9796 / 426 5249
Email: napc.gov@gmail.com
5- Herbert Constantine Maclang Bautista
Mayor,
The Local Government of Quezon City
Elliptical Road, Brgy. Central Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Contact:
http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=1&Itemid=210
6. Mr. Marlowe Y. Jacutin
Head,
Task Force for the Control, Prevention and Removal of Illegal Structures and Squatting
6th Floor, Civic Center Building A, City Hall Compound
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Thank you
Hunger Alerts Programme
Right to Food Programme (foodjustice@ahrc.asia)
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
