Solidarity against evictions in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Resisting evictions in Navotas, Philippines (John Lagman, 2010)
Evicted families, especially women, residing along Road 10 in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines are appealing for solidarity and support. On January 18 to 20, and then on March 4 to the present, (March 12) the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways and the City Government of Navotas have conducted demolition operations for the purpose of widening the road. To date, the homes of some 393 families of the targeted 1,000 families have been demolished.
The residents formed barricades to resist the demolitions. Women, including grandmothers, bore the brunt of beatings by baton-wielding and shield-shoving policemen and blasts from water cannons by firemen from the city. A number of residents, including women, were arrested and jailed for resisting the forced eviction. They insisted that the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should carry out her promise made to their leaders on August 1, 2008 that they receive acceptable relocation to a place of their liking. Philippine housing law mandates relocation. The affected families refused to accept the offer of financial assistance of P21,000 (USD457) from the DPWH.
This is doubly sad when one considers that March is the month to honor women’s rights and their struggles. And the current Philippines president is a woman.
You cand find on the link a sample of letter you can use.
In solidarity. Thanks.
Ted Anana