The unity and barricade of residents of Mayhaligue Street in Barangay 262 and 264 in Zone 24, Tondo, Manila thwarted the state forces’ demolition on May 26. The residents insisted that the demolition had no legal basis and violated their rights.

Facing dozens of police officers armed with batons and truncheons, using water cannons and other violent forms, the residents bravely defended their right to housing. Four residents were reportedly arrested during the confrontation.

Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) leaders and youth group Anakbayan joined the barricade and extended their support. “Kadamay strongly condemns the violent and illegal demolition despite the residents’ opposition,” Kadamay stated.

“The collective struggle of the people of Mayhaligue, Tondo for their right to housing is a victory,” Anakbayan national chairperson Mhing Gomez said when joining the barricade. The group called for continued support, especially since the demolition implementation could proceed in the coming days.

According to the Kapitbahayan ng Mayhaligue Neighborhood Association Inc. leadership, more than 400 families, or nearly 2,000 individuals, would lose their homes in the planned demolition. Among them are dozens of children, elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities who would be severely harmed by the demolition.

The company 2288 Ethan Realty Corporation is claiming the land where the houses stand. According to Securities and Exchange Commission records, the company was only registered in 2021.

The residents asserted that most of them have lived on Mayhaligue Street since the 1930s. They also emphasized that they received no notice, court order, or relocation plan, all of which are required by law for the implementation of a demolition.

“This is only part of a series of demolitions and arson attacks in poor communities nationwide happening under the Marcos Jr regime,” according to Kadamay. The militant center of urban poor groups maintains that housing is a fundamental right that the state must guarantee.

Opposing the demolition, the residents immediately filed a Petition for Certiorari and called for a temporary restraining order (TRO) at the Regional Trial Court in Manila on the afternoon of May 26. On May 27, the court granted the TRO and temporarily halted the planned demolition.

According to Kadamay, pushing the poor into homelessness to sell the land to large businessmen and land developers is unjust and should stop. “The Mayhaligue residents’ call: Oppose, fight, and resist the demolition in Mayhaligue!” the group said.