Baltao Corporation personnel illegally blocked the passage to Sitio Igiban, Barangay San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal on December 4, barring residents from entering and leaving the sitio.

More than 60 families from the Sitio Igiban Neigborhood Association suffered from the company’s harassment. Many residents could not go to school or their workplaces because of the barrier.

While residents were distressed by the company’s harassment, company personnel ruthlessly cut down their trees and plants. The company also continued with its construction actitivies and hauling materials into the sitio.

The company was compelled to open the gate that evening after someone from the municipal office intervened.

Residents said barangay officials remained silent about the land grabbing that targeted residents who had lived there for five decades.

The residents are calling on government officials to help them in their fight for their homes and to hold Baltao Corporation accountable for harassment.