Erap halts demolition of houses of informal settlers in Intramuros

Former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada has canceled the demolition of houses of informal settlers in Intramuros, Manila scheduled on Tuesday, as tensions arose between the demolition team and residents who barricaded the streets.

Estrada said his order was in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's "no relocation, no demolition" policy as he ordered the Philippine National Police to stop any demolition operation, according to a Balitanghali report by Oscar Oida.

Despite having a court order, Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7 Sheriff Manuelito Viloria also lacked backing from the police.

Using T-shirts to cover their faces and carrying bottles in their hands, some men used a basketball post to block Legazpi Street in Barangay 654 earlier in the day.

Informal settlers set up a barricade along Legaspi Street in Intramuros, Manila, to protect their shanties from the demolition team sent by the city government on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Danny Pata

Viloria said the residents took their time to move their possessions, causing delays in the operation.

The RTC then gave the settlers an ultimatum to vacate the area at 10:30 a.m.

However, the president of the association of the residents escorted Viloria in the area to show that residents are demolishing their homes themselves.

The residents said they are willing to leave their homes, but will not hesitate to fight back if dealt with in a violent manner by the demolition team.

The settlers also said they worry that their possessions might get lost if the demolition team will interfere with their transfer.

The settlers have also requested the officials to wait until they find new homes before their area could be dismantled.

According to Viloria, it has been a year since the demolition order was issued, but residents said they were shocked as they were complacent that the demolition will not happen. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News