Tension erupted in Barangay 227, Tondo, Manila on Thursday during the demolition of informal structures along Abad Santos Avenue near Antipolo Street, as residents clashed with the demolition team backed by the police authorities.
The demolition was carried out following a court order issued by Manila Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 18, which directed the clearing of a 856-square-meter private property.
In a media interview, Sheriff Eric Borce explained that the landowner had reclaimed ownership, and residents had been previously given until March 31 to vacate under a barangay-brokered agreement.
“Actually, may usapan po sila sa barangay na binigyan sila ng extension up to March 31, nag-agree po ‘yung both parties. Kapag umalis isla bibigyan sila ng P50,000 voluntary,” Borce said.
The sheriff confirmed that residents were fully aware of the agreement and the consequences of failing to vacate.
Citing the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), Borce further said that the contested property is occupied by 32 families living in 22 structures.
The demolition turned violent when residents resisted the clearing team. Makeshift barricades made of corrugated sheets were set up, and residents hurled bottles, stones, wood, and other objects at authorities.
According to RH Boy Gonzales's report on "Damdaming Bayan," there are also reported hearing a loud sound, sounds like firecrakers.
At one point, demolition was briefly halted after children were seen inside some of the houses. However, when the clearing operation resumed, clashes intensified. Which caused, two police officers, including a police major, were injured after being hit by bottles thrown by residents, according to Col. Norman Patnaan, commander of Manila Police District Station 7.
“Initially, dalawa [pulis] po ang tinamaan, more on tinamaan ng bote,” Patnaan stated.
Despite the intervention of three local councilors and the chief of MPD Station 7, who appealed for calm and requested a suspension of the demolition, tensions persisted.
The demolition team attempted to enter the area twice but was unable to overcome the resistance of residents.
As of press time, the situation in the area remains volatile, with the stretch of Abad Santos Avenue from Antipolo Street to Batangas Street closed to traffic due to the ongoing standoff.
