GWP Demands Arrest of Officers Responsible for Deaths in Silverio Compound Demolition, Calls for Moratorium to Demolitions

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emmi De Jesus condemned the brutal demolition of Silverio Compound resulting to the death of Arnel Leonor, 21 years old, a dweller of the compound. “What happened at the Silverio Compound shows how state forces, in cooperation with local government officials, quickly act in favor of business tycoons and big real estate developers like Henry Sy even if this could mean harm and even the death and loss of livelihood and homes of thousands of marginalized Filipinos,” said the alarmed Gabriela solon.

De Jesus noted that the Silverio compound is purportedly part of the Public Private Partnership project with SM Development Corp. The 9.7 hectare Silverio Compound is home to some 28,000 informal settlers. It has been earmarked for demolition for the construction of SM Development Corporation condominiums. She also noted that urban poor women and their families nationwide have been evicted from their home more intensively as the Aquino administration has prioritized different development projects according to its Public-Private Partnership framework.

“Kailanman, hindi solusyon ang demolisyon, lumilikha lamang ito ng mga panibagong problemang ang mga biktima rin ang magpapasan dahil anuman ang mangyari, ipagtatanggol at ipagtatanggol ng mahihirap ang kanilang tahanan, humarap man sila sa kamatayan. Matapos ang isang di-makatao at di-makatarungang demolisyon at relokasyon, babalik at babalik din ang mga maralita sa gitna ng lunsod upang magsiksik sa kung saan man magkakaroon sila ng mas mataas na pagkakataong mabuhay dahil ang kalakhan ng mga relocation sites ay nasa malalayong lugar na walang hanapbuhay at walang serbisyong panlipunan,” added De Jesus.

“The demolition of Silverio Compound is the result of a systemic economic problems faced by the poor in the whole country. The government continues to be blind to the fact that demolitions, forced evictions and relocation to far flung areas with no access to employment and social services is not the solution to the problem of urban development amidst large-scale poverty. The Aquino government should realize that it is the lack of genuine agrarian and urban land reform program and national industries that aggravates poverty,” Rep. De Jesus further explained.

“It is only prudent that the Aquino administration calls on all local government units to implement a moratorium on all demolitions in the country until the government is able to develop a rational housing plan which addresses the root causes of poverty and homelessness in the country. The Aquino administration should also investigate the death of Leonor and the brutal force employed by the police against the dwellers resulting to the injury of at least 39 individuals, and hold those responsible accountable,” ended the Gabriela solon.