Probe on rights violation in Angeles sought

ANGELES City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has appealed to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an investigation into the alleged human rights violations committed by a demolition team of Clarkhills Properties Corp.

The demolition team allegedly engaged in a shooting rampage that left five residents injured during the demolition last March 12 at Sitio Balubad, Barangay Anunas.

The five injured residents were identified as Gregorio Navarette, 47; Anna Marie Alper, 57, both residents of Purok 2, Barangay Anunas, Angeles City; John Singian, 22, and Alvin Nobicio, 32, of Purok 1 in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City; and Melvin de la Cruz, 36, of Barangay Margot, Angeles City.

Also, two media personnel were reportedly harassed by armed men believed to be from the demolition team.

They were Rowena Quejada, K5 radio reporter, and Joann Manabat of Rappler. Both are members of the Central Luzon Media Association from Pampanga and Zambales-Olongapo Chapter.

On Feb. 8, 2024, a violent demolition was also carried out by the Clarkhills demolition team.

In a letter to Richard Paat Palpal-Latoc, chairman of the CHR, Mayor Lazatin sought an investigation into the human rights violations allegedly committed by the company’s demolition team.

“While the city government recognizes the rights of Clarkhills Properties Corporation, their priority, first and foremost, is to look out for the well-being of our constituents,” the mayor said.

He cited several reports of alarming instances of violence and human rights violations allegedly committed by the Clarkhills demolition team.

These include the use of firearms against the residents picketing the area; demolition of houses while residents are still inside their homes; putting up of checkpoints; restricting the entry and exit of people in the area; and other acts of violence resulting in children being hurt.