Demolition at Old Balara, QC pushes through amid ongoing legal battle

The demolition of the remaining houses in Old Balara, Quezon City proceeded on Monday, despite the residents' protest citing a pending petition in the local court.

In a report on Balitanghali, dzBB's Allan Gatus said residents staged a program and tried to block the authorities from demolishing their houses.

Mga residente ng Old Balara, Quezon City, ipinoprotesta ang demolisyon sa kanilang lugar. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/aBUcpqP5SU

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 6, 2016

Mga pulis patuloy na nakikipag negosasyon sa mga residente kaugnay ng demolisyon. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/O0YzPQFlTp

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 6, 2016

Residents insisted that is a pending case regarding the demolition before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, the report said.

The city government, however, cited an administrative order in 2008, which says that informal settlers are not allowed in water ways of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

The report added that the city government pointed out that they have been negotiating with the community since 2012. More than half of the residents have left since, while some 200 families remain.

Relocation arrangements are being offered in Pandi, Bulacan and in Antipolo City, Rizal.

The affected residents argued that they are residing on private property, and the city government and the MWSS cannot make them leave, the report said.

Despite the demolition, the residents said that they will build tents and stay in the area, the report said. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/ALG, GMA News