2000 Kadamay Nagdulot Ng Kaguluhan Sa Pwersahang Pang-aagaw Ng Mga Bahay Sa Pandi Bulacan

Summary

In Bulacan, Philippines, the Kadamay group, representing the urban poor, has occupied vacant housing units in Pandi Residences 3, demanding affordable housing. Despite the government's allocation of these units for informal settlers and low-income workers, the Kadamay members claim they are being denied access. The situation escalated with the developer deploying guards and police to control entry, leading to standoffs and barricades. The National Anti-Poverty Commission's chairperson and housing officials have attempted dialogue, but the Kadamay insists on their right to the housing units, citing their dire need. The government and housing officials argue that the occupation is illegal and that a proper process must be followed to allocate the units.

Takeaways

• 🏢 The developer of Residences 3 in Pandi, Bulacan has used force to control the entry of members of the urban poor group, Kadamay, into the housing complex.
• 🚔 In addition to the police, soldiers were also present at the resettlement site, and there were discussions with the National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson regarding the situation.
• 🛂 The residents of Residences 3 have been threatened by the presence of Kadamay members who have set up barricades and stones to block the roads.
• 🏡 Over 3,000 housing units in the area are currently occupied by Kadamay members, which were supposed to be for informal settlers and low-income police and military personnel.
• 🔒 The housing officials have stated that the government has not yet decided to allocate the housing units to those in need, and the current occupants are not following the proper process.
• 📜 Some Kadamay members claim they have signed papers for the housing units, but housing officials argue that their actions are illegal and they must follow the proper procedures.
• 🗣️ There have been dialogues between housing officials and Kadamay leaders, but the issue remains unresolved, with the officials stating that the housing is for the poor and not for those who can afford to rent.
• 📱 A request was made for someone with a cellphone to record the events, highlighting the tension and the need for documentation of the situation.
• 🏠 The housing units are currently occupied by people who claim they cannot afford rent, and there are reports of families being threatened with eviction.
• ⏰ The situation has escalated, with the developer issuing an eviction notice for the illegal occupation of the housing units, demanding they be vacated within seven days.

Q & A

What was the main issue that led to the conflict in Residences 3?

The main issue was the occupation of vacant housing units in Residences 3 by the group Kadamay, who claimed the units were intended for the poor but were being occupied by those who could afford to pay rent.

Who are the members of Kadamay and what was their demand?

Kadamay members are from the informal settlers and low-income groups. They demanded that the government provide housing for the poor and occupied vacant units in Residences 3 as a form of protest.

What action did the developer of Residences 3 take to control the entry of Kadamay members?

The developer used the police and soldiers to guard the area and prevent Kadamay members from entering, setting up barricades and stones to block the way.

How did the National Anti-Poverty Commission respond to the situation?

The National Anti-Poverty Commission's chairperson, Lisa, engaged in dialogue with Kadamay, questioning the army's role and emphasizing the need for peace and order rather than forceful eviction.

What was the government's position on the occupation of the housing units by Kadamay?

The government's position was that the occupation was illegal and that there was a proper process to be followed to obtain government housing. They issued an eviction notice to vacate the illegally occupied units within seven days.

What was the reaction of the residents living in the housing units to Kadamay's occupation?

The residents were frightened by the occupation, fearing for their safety and the security of their homes. Some reported that their homes were being targeted by Kadamay members.

What were the requirements for the poor to be eligible for government housing according to the housing officials?

The housing officials stated that there was a process to be followed to obtain government housing, which included attending meetings and protests, and being active in the community.

What was the outcome of the dialogue between housing officials and Kadamay leaders?

The dialogue resulted in a standoff, with housing officials insisting that the occupation was illegal and Kadamay leaders demanding that the government fulfill its promise to provide housing for the poor.

How did the police and military respond to the occupation of Residences 3 by Kadamay?

The police and military were present at the site to maintain order and prevent violence, but they were also criticized by Kadamay for their role in the situation.

What was the impact of the occupation on the community and the housing situation in Residences 3?

The occupation caused tension and fear within the community, and highlighted the ongoing issue of housing for the poor. It also brought attention to the need for a fair and accessible process for obtaining government housing.