Tension grips demolition in Tondo residential area

Tension gripped a scheduled demolition in a compound in Mayhaligue, Tondo, Manila on Monday as residents tried to stop the impending destruction of their homes.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “Balitanghali,” the standoff between the demolition team and the residents of Barangay 262 lasted for hours, with some men guarding the compound gate to prevent authorities from entering the premises. Plastic bags and items emitting smoke were likewise thrown at the police.

The demolition was initially halted due to the sudden downpour. 

Sheriff Reymundo Rojas of the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 24 said this is for humanitarian reasons, as he did not want to proceed with the process while it was raining. However, he clarified that the demolition will continue as they have yet to receive a temporary restraining order (TRO).

Authorities said they are offering P38,000 to those who will voluntarily vacate the area, but residents expressed worry about having nowhere else to go. They also did not receive any  advisory regarding the demolition.

The order for the demolition was issued in October 2024. A final order was released in February 2025 after its four-year litigation, the report added.

In a separate report, Super Radyo dzBB's Manny Vargas said the demolition was temporarily stopped due to the weather and the tension.

The report said according to the members of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, who refused to be named as they were not authorized to grant interviews, they were ordered to return to their respective headquarters.

The PNP and BFP members were told that a dialogue will be conducted to ensure the smooth implementation of the writ of execution and avoid further tension. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News