At least 150 structures will be affected by a demolition being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Caloocan City on Tuesday, March 14, for a road project.
Residents stand helplessly as their house was being demolished in Caloocan City. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS) Col. Ruben Lacuesta said the demolition order is part of the DPWH's road project on Mindanao Avenue Extension in Caloocan City which has a total length of 3.20 kilometers from the intersection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the Mindanao Avenue Exit.
Lacuesta said the demolition targets to dismantle 152 structures in three days.
The authorities started to commence the demolition at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Lacuesta said they received several complaints from the affected families.
"Normal lang po na may mga hinaing po sila dahil dumaan naman po sa proseso ito (Their complaints are expected because this project went through all the necessary process)," Lacuesta stated.
The families vowed to stand against the demolition.
The CCPS said more than 700 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were deployed to the area to maintain peace and order during the course of the demolition.
Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) said it has been advising the affected residents since 2018 to relocate and give way to the government's road project.
An NHA housing program was also offered to the affected residents where more than 70 of them have qualified to avail of the housing units.