Pasig demolition: 11 cops, firemen hurt
Eleven police officers and firemen were injured when they clashed with members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) during a demolition of informal settler families in Pasig City yesterday.
At least 29 Kadamay members were arrested following the incident, according to Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, director of the Eastern Police District.
Sapitula said they would file charges of illegal assembly against the members of the militant group.
The police officers and firemen suffered minor injuries, he said.
Around 200 Kadamay members held a protest at around 7 a.m. and barricaded the East Bank Road Floodway in Barangay Sta. Lucia, causing a monstrous traffic jam in the area.
Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra Jr., Pasig police chief, asked the protesters to vacate the place to give way to a peaceful demolition.
But Kadamay leaders Roberto de la Cruz and Dodgemir John de Guzman refused to leave.
The protesters hurled stones and bottles at the demolition team, prompting authorities to use water cannons to disperse them.
Kadamay members and residents in the area opposed the planned relocation of the city government.
The demolition did not push through.