Duterte won’t allow another Kadamay takeover

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will not allow another takeover of housing units by Kadamay and ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest members of the urban poor group if they continue occupying government-funded housing projects.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the President issued the order after Kadamay (Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap) attempted to occupy the idle housing units intended for policemen and soldiers in Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday.

Albayalde said he will not hesitate to order their arrest if they continue grabbing housing units, just like what they did in Pandi, Bulacan.

“That is trespassing. They can be arrested for that,” Albayalde said.

The urban poor group led other informal settlers in grabbing the idle housing units in Pandi in March 2017.

A month later, Duterte allowed the Kadamay members to occupy the housing units, as long they do not harass the policemen and soldiers who were already living there.

Duterte called on the policemen and soldiers to be patient and promised better housing for them.

On Wednesday, at least 100 members of Kadamay attempted to occupy the idle housing units in Rodriguez.

Some of the residents nearby frustrated the attempt by calling on policemen to prevent the takeover.

Albayalde stressed the need to put an end to Kadamay’s activities, which he said are contrary to law.

“Whether there is an order or not, if we see them just occupying properties, that is a violation of the law,” he said.

Albayalde chided Kadamay for forcing the issue. He said some of the housing units they tried to occupy were already owned.

“They should not abuse our President. If they resist, then there is nothing we can do,” he said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President has given directives to the PNP that Kadamay should not be allowed to again take over housing units intended for soldiers and policemen.

Roque said the President has asserted that Kadamay’s takeover in Bulacan “should be the first and the last.”

Two senators condemned the latest attempt by Kadamay to take over housing units.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said he was deeply concerned with the latest action taken by Kadamay, which he said “signifies a breakdown in law and order.”

“On the other hand, it is a reflection of the failure of government to provide decent housing for our people,” Ejercito said. – With Marvin Sy