Makati to sue squatting syndicate in Laperal Compound

Manila, Philippines - Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay yesterday ordered the city’s legal department to look into possible criminal charges that can be filed against suspected members of squatting syndicates who operated in the 2.6-hectare Laperal Compound in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo.

Binay said the syndicates are the ones behind the violence that marred the clearing of a shantytown in the compound last Wednesday and Thursday.

At least 19 persons were injured when hostile residents hurled rocks, bottles and petrol bombs in a bid to stop the demolition of the fire-razed shanties.

“We have identified a number of individuals who had been leasing out rooms and houses illegally built in the compound before the fire, and thus stand to lose a very profitable business if they are unable to return,” Binay said.

He said the names of former “landlords” in the compound owned by LTC Real Estate are contained in a report from the Makati Social Welfare Department.

Binay said the city government is exercising its mandate to clear illegal settlers of the compound upon the request of the property’s owner,  Oliverio Laperal, to have the property returned to him.

The city government earlier declared the Laperal Compound a “danger zone” and ordered law enforcers to prevent fire victims from rebuilding structures in the area.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, however, said only fire-damaged houses will be demolished and intact homes will be left alone. He also said the residents will be allowed to stay in the compound until a proper relocation site is prepared for them.

“If the owner of the land would like to clear the area, (he) should secure a court order. It’s not the job of the local government,” he said. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe