A Santa Rosa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council official harassed the Kadamay-Laguna coordinator, along with Mimi Doringo, Kadamay national president and Makabayan senatorial candidate, during a meeting where Kadamay was consulting with evacuees from Pulong Bukid, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

According to reports, Antonio Lu aggressively confronted and physically harassed Doringo and Kadamay members while residents of Pulong Bukid negotiated their situation. The police presence overseeing these negotiations instilled fear among the evacuees.

Pulong Bukid residents have been staying in the evacuation center since last year after their community was burned down.

“The state has provided no concrete plan for relocation and economic opportunities for the people until now,” Kadamay said. Additionally, the Santa Rosa city government has remained silent, failing to take decisive action to address the situation.

Kadamay National and Kadamay Laguna are holding Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas accountable for their dire conditions. They challenged the mayor to directly engage with the evacuees.

“The government should prioritize the right of the people to decent housing and economic opportunities for the poor instead of serving the ruling class and the wealthy,” Kadamay said.