5 hurt in Angeles City demolition
FIVE people were reported injured after gunshots were fired during a demolition operation in Sitio Balubad, Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, on Tuesday, March 12.
Angeles City Police chief Col. Amado Mendoza Jr. identified the victims as Gregorio Navarette, 47, and Anna Marie Alper, 57, both residents of Purok 2, Barangay Anunas; John Singian, 22, and Alvin Nobicio, 32, of Purok 1 in Barangay Anunas; and Melvin de la Cruz, 36, of Barangay Margot, Angeles City.They are recuperating in a hospital.
The victims were among evicted residents in the area owned by Clarkhills Properties Corp.
It was learned that tension started at around 11:30 a.m. when the demolition team began to evict the residents and shots were fired.
Police said that two suspects were arrested -- Halid Isdali, 37, and Jomar Abdul, 30, both of Barangay Asmic, Angeles City.
Mendoza said the suspects were arrested for possession of firearms — a caliber .45 and a caliber .9mm. The suspects were not members of the demolition team, the police said.
Meanwhile, during the demolition tension, a member of the press was initially reported missing.
She was identified as Rowena Quejada, a K5 radio reporter and member of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA-Olongapo Chapter).
In a text message, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) regional director BGen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said no media was abducted or harassed.
“She was not abducted; she was with a Korean who came out of the demolition site. Quejada’s report to the PNP was that her cell phone was missing. So, maybe his colleagues could not contact her, so it was reported that she was abducted,” said Hidalgo.
The Angeles City police are investigating the incident.
Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. condemned the violent demolition and harassment of reporters.
Quejada was covering the demolition when she was accosted by armed men who questioned her and took her belongings.
One of the armed men pointed his gun at Quejada and called the media “demonyo” (devil) for reporting the land dispute.
A Japanese reportedly helped Quejada hide in his house and waited until the tension eased.
Another reporter, Joann Manabat of Rappler was also threatened by men wearing red, blue and white shirts.