Various homeowners’ associations under Taytay Urban Poor Alliance (TUPA) and Kadamay-Rizal protested at the Baltao gate, Ortigas Avenue on January 11 to condemn the widespread demolitions in Taytay, Rizal. They called for the immediate halt to the illegal confinement of residents by Baltao Corporation in Sitio Igiban. A total of 129 people joined the action.

In collusion with the Philippine National Police, goons hired by Baltao Corporation forcibly closed the passageway of residents in Sitio Igiban, Barangay San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal starting January 7. Around 60 families were affected by the company’s violent act. Residents still cannot enter or exit their community to date.

The closure of the passageway severely disrupts the daily lives of residents. Many students cannot attend school, and workers cannot reach their jobs. Some who fell ill did not get medical treatment because of the blockage.

The company first fenced off the passageway on December 4. It was forced to open the gate after a municipal staff member intervened. However, Taytay mayor Allan De Leon remains idle and unresponsive to the situation.

Igiban is just one of several communities facing the threat of demolition in Taytay. Sitios Siwang, Sapang Gody, Bato-bato, Batong Dalig, Halaman Uno, Halaman Dos, Pugad Lawin, and PCSO also face demolition. Residents in these communities have no access to water and electricity because of the harassment from land grabbers.

According to TUPA, the widespread demolitions only prove the state’s bias toward private companies’ interests instead of upholding the urban poor’s right to shelter.

Sitio Igiban Neighborhood Association Inc. calls for immediate action to address their problem and demands the eviction and accountability of Baltao Corporation for the violence it inflicted on residents.