Police clarify: No demolition in Pasig, only Kadamay protest rally

Authorities on Thursday clarified that no demolition happened at Barangay Sta. Lucia in Pasig City despite residents and Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) members staging a rally in the area against it.

"Wala pong demolition doon," Pasig City Police Station chief Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra told GMA News Online.

"Hindi nga [namin] malaman kung ano gusto nila. Basta lang sila nanggulo at humarang sa kalsada," Yebra added.

The protesters and members of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) earlier staged the rally to protest an impending demolition and their eventual relocation.

Itinanggi ng Eastern Police District na may demolition; Tumugon lang daw sila sa tawag na may mga nagbarikada sa lugar. @dzbb @epdpio pic.twitter.com/ia84YEzgJo

— Glen Juego (@glenjuego) August 31, 2017

Radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported that following the rally, 29 protesters were arrested for direct assault, illegal assembly, and damage to properties. Yebra said five policemen and firemen were also injured.

29 na raliyista at informal settlers sa Floodway, Pasig, inaresto dahil sa iligal na pagbarikada at pananakit sa mga pulis at bumbero. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/hJsyzjCxNU

— Glen Juego (@glenjuego) August 31, 2017

Police are now conducting clearing operations in the area.

Tapos na ang tensyon sa Eastbank Rd., Floodway, Pasig City; on going ang clearing operations. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/M7bPAuti5y

— Glen Juego (@glenjuego) August 31, 2017

According to Kadamay, some 1,000 households are targeted to be demolished in the area. It was not immediately clear where they were being relocated.

The protesters opposed the proposed relocation because they could not afford the water, electric, and rental fees that they would incur once transferred.

They added that it would be difficult for them to find a source of income once they are relocated. — MDM, GMA News