The Pamalakaya and Kadamay groups called for an investigation into the consecutive fires that hit poor communities along the coasts of Cavite in February. Both groups believe that these blazes were deliberately set off and involves attempts to evict the poor from their settlements.

At least five fires in four barangays in Bacoor City and Kawit broke out from February 8 to 27. These occurred in Barangay Aniban II (February 8), Barangay Pulvorista (February 9), Barangay Niog I (February 19 and February 17) and Barangay Talaba VII (February 17). At least 313 families were affected.

“It has long been proven that burning down a community is one of the easiest and most effective ways to demolish an entire community to pave the way for aggressive commercial projects,” said Aries Solenad, Pamalakaya-Cavite general secretary.

The two groups say there are pending infrastructure and reclamation projects in the communities that were burned and the fires may be a tactic to evict residents.

“We want this dark scheme to be investigation and its mastermind be held accountable,” they said.