Defend CAMANAVA condemned the Philippine National Police (PNP) Navotas for illegally arresting Gabriela Navotas member Jane Alfabete on November 27. According to witnesses, the PNP illegally entered Alfabete’s house and dragged her outside. The arresting officers did not present a warrant. She was later charged with assault and trespassing.
Alfabete is one of the urban poor women who courageously stood against the demolition of their homes at 373 Lapu-Lapu St., NBBS Proper, Navotas City. The demolition of houses in the area, including her own, began only after she had been arrested.
Residents said the demolition was illegal because the court order presented indicated Barangay San Roque as the demolition site. The issue of land ownership is also being heard in court.
Residents first triumphed in their fight for the right to housing during the elder Marcos’ time. In 1986, 373 was declared residential land for citizens and settlers. However, in 1993, the Ignacio family bought the land from the National Housing Authority without consulting its residents. There is also a demolition threat along the nearby Road 10 and NBBS, which the Ignacio family likewise claims.
Defend CAMANAVA called for the immediate release of Alfabete and an end to the attacks on the urban poor. It also urged the halt of illegal demolitions in NBBS Proper and the land grabbing from residents.
