SAN JUAN, Philippines – Informal settlers who were recently evicted from their community in San Juan want to sue police officers and the city officials.
They staged a protest at the San Juan police station on Thursday to demand the release of 5 people who were arrested during the January 25 demolition of 103 shanties.
Arnold Repique, president of urban poor group Sandigang Maralitang Nagkakaisa (SAMANA), said police should immediately release Alvaro Hamtig, Raymund Moral, Bryan Costa, Mac Travis Wernet Ramirez, and Charlie Sayahon.
The informal settlers are blaming San Juan police, city Mayor Guia Gomez, and Rep. JV Ejercito for the demolition of their houses.
“We cannot let the Estradas and police forces just violate our rights freely,” Repique said in a press statement.
“Our battle for our rights to homes, jobs, and social justice has just started. The local government and their minions must brace themselves and expect for more eye-for-an-eye battle in the days to come as they push for their selfish agenda of putting up their dream palace in the city,” he warned.
