At least three women residents of King Christian St, Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City were injured today, July 28, when they blocked the illegal fencing and demolition of their community. Some 30 workers and thugs employed by Roberto Collantes were ordered to demolish the houses in the area, which he has attempted several times in the past.

That day, Collantes’ paid goons descended into the community to continue the demolition and illegal fencing, disregarding the plight of residents who were recovering from the devastation and effects of Typhoon Carina and rain caused by the southwest monsoon in the past few days.

In a report from Gabriela-Quezon City, the goons suddenly stormed the community to demolish homes, hastily unloading fencing materials.

Mothers and women from the community decisively blocked the attempt. They grabbed the barbed wires laid by the workers. Some of them were injured when the thugs suddenly pulled the barbed wire. The mothers also worked together to get the fencing steel out of their area.

On July 16, the Barangay Bagbag personnel themselves, in collusion with Collantes, threatened to shoot the residents. One of them was even caught on video unholstering a gun.

This was after King Christian residents balked against the violent confiscation of their goods by Barangay Bagbag personnel, using “clearing operation” as pretext. Gabriela-Quezon City said the barangay personnel’s confiscation was illegal because their wares were not on the sidewalk and did not obstruct the road.

More than 50 individuals are set to be evicted by Collantes’ demolition and landgrabbing. In 2019, Collantes introduced himself to the residents and said that he had bought the land where the houses stand.

The residents assert that they have a right to the community, having lived there for almost two decades. In addition, the residents insist that the permit and documents presented by Collantes’ camp to expedite the demolition are all fake.