Taguig police said a sniper and SWAT team were deployed during the demolition of houses in Barangay Palingon as part of security measures. 

Houses in Panday Creekside were demolished on April 13, resulting in the injury of several policemen and six members of the demolition team, as well as the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in a stone-throwing incident. 

In a statement, the Taguig police refuted allegations that the sniper was deployed against civilians during the demolition. 

“Ang presensya ng SWAT at Sniper ay bahagi ng standard security protocol upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat, mga residente, operatiba, at iba pang sangkot sa demolition. Hindi ito para manakot, kundi isang hakbang upang maiwasan ang anumang posibleng karahasan o paglala ng sitwasyon (The presence of SWAT and Sniper is part of the standard security protocol to ensure the safety of everyone, residents, operatives, and others involved in the demolition. This is not to intimidate, but a step to prevent any possible violence or escalation of the situation),” the police said. 

They added that officers remained professional during the demolition and focused on the orderly, peaceful, and safe execution of the operation. 

“Walang sinuman ang target, ang pangunahing layunin ay protektahan ang buhay at mapanatili ang kaayusan sa komunidad (No one is targeted, the main goal is to protect life and maintain order in the community),” the statement continued. 

Panday Creekside in Taguig on April 12, a day before the community was demolished (Anakbayan Taguig)

Residents gather their belongings as demolition crews tear down homes at Panday Creekside in Barangay Palingon, Taguig City on Monday, April 13. (Photos by John Louie Abrina/MB)

Panday Creekside in Taguig on April 12, a day before the community was demolished (Anakbayan Taguig)

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-National Capital Region earlier condemned the demolition of the houses, calling it illegal and violent. 

“Tinatayang 1,000 kataong demolition team, 15 na backhoe at nasa 300 na kapulisan/swat ang dineploy. Overkill itong matuturing kumpara sa nasa 300 na pamilya sa komunidad na binubuo ng mga sharer, renter at tenant," it said.

The group alleged that the police used teargas to disperse the residents and arrested seven individuals inside the community. 

Angelita Datu, one of the residents, posted on Facebook, “Dito kame sa kalasada titira ,pero sigurado papaalisin pa din kame, wala kameng pupuntahan, wala samin tumutulong wala kameng relokasyon (We will live here on the street, but we will definitely be evicted, we have nowhere to go, no one helps us, we have no relocation).” 

She also posted a video of her community, writing, “Huling sulyap na ba sa aming masaya, magulo, maingay na lugar, pero di malilimutan ang mga sandaling magkakasama. bumuo kame dito ng pamilya barkada kapatid, matatapos lang sa ganitong demolisyon (Is this the last glimpse of our happy, chaotic, noisy place? The moments we spent together will never be forgotten. We built families, friendships, and bonds here -- only to end with this demolition).”