At least 40 guards from BFFHAI Patrol and D’Virthus Security and Investigation Agency illegally erected a fence at Simona Compound, San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal on April 22. They aimed guns at the residents and threatened them to prevent them from entering the area. Residents had to cross a river or crawl under the fence just to get to their homes.

Before this, the guards illegally demolished six houses in Simona Compound on April 19, and injured one resident defending his house. The guards claimed the compound is owned by PSCO but failed to show supporting documents.

Kabataan Partylist representative Raoul Manuel, together with Arlene Brosas, representative Gabriela Women’s Party, and Mimi Doringo, both Makabayan senatorial candidates, attempted to visit Simona Compound on April 23. The guards did not allow them entry.

Instead, Makabayan Rizal members gathered the demolition victims for a consultation. Doringo called on the residents to unite in order to resolve the issues affecting their community. She also explained the effectivity of a strong mass campaign for the people to assert their rights to humane relocation and housing projects for the poor.