Kadamay stages rally, storms QC hall

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the militant group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) tried to storm the Quezon City hall yesterday to protest the arrest of 41 of their members who reoccupied a contested property last week. 

They also staged a rally outside Quiapo Church in Manila to call on the government to provide free shelter to poor families.

They held the protest outside the city hall and were able to get through the first security barricade set up by security personnel and the police.

The protest lasted for around 15 to 20 minutes but the rallyists dispersed peacefully, according to Chief Inspector Rolando Lorenzo, head of the city hall detachment of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). 

The rallyists were protesting the arrest and filing of charges against 41 of their members who tried to reoccupy a 1,668-square meter lot along Apollo street in Barangay Tandang Sora earlier this month. 

Trespassing charges were filed against the Kadamay members following inquest proceedings at the QCPD headquarters at Camp Karingal. 

More than 40 persons, including children, were rounded up by police on Monday last week, less than 48 hours after they reoccupied the private lot. 

This comes after the successful takeover of Kadamay members of government housing units in Pandi, Bulacan.