The Anunas United Farmers, Settlers, and Descendants Association Inc. (AUFSDAI) announced today, June 12, the death of Gregorio Navarette, one of the residents of Sitio Balubad, Barangay Anunas, Angeles City who was shot by police. He died of an intestinal infection from a bullet wound that required multiple hospital visits. Police and Clark Hills Properties Corporation goons shot and injured him on March 12 during the demolition of Sitio Balubad.

In addition to Navarete, four others were injured when the police and goons attacked the residents’ barricade on the site. More than 500 houses in the 73-hectare land seized by the company were demolished. The landgrab affected an estimated 2,000 residents.

Sitio Balubad considered Navarette a martyr. “Gregorio Navarette sacrificed his life for Sitio Balubad, so AUFSDAI sincerely sympathizes and pays tribute to the Navarette family and we are united in the continued search for justice,” the group said.

The group said Clark Hills and the PNP-SWAT led by Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board Sheriff Elizabeth Marasigan are accountable for Navarette’s death.

Residents first set up barricades in October 2023. Residents’ solidarity and resistance thwarted the demolition attempt twice in October 2023 and February this year. Police and Clark Hills violently broke the barricade in March.

Residents own the land and have certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) and receipts indicating full payment to the Landbank of the Philippines. There are fears that adjacent barangays Cuayan and Sapangbato are also set to be landgrabbed and demolished.