2 hurt in QC demolition operation

MANILA, Philippines – Two people were hurt in a shooting incident that stemmed from the demolition of shanties inside the Quezon Institute compound in Quezon City shortly before noon Tuesday. A radio report said that the two wounded victims were initially identified only as "Samuel" and "Buboy," both among the illegal settlers living inside the Quezon Institute compound along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City. The two were rushed to a nearby hospital. One of the casualties sustained a gunshot wound to his arm while the other was hit on his shoulder, the report said. The report said Quezon Institute security guards were trying to dismantle illegally-constructed houses inside the compound when an altercation erupted between them and the residents. The residents said the demolition operation was illegal since it was not backed by any court order. "Mayroon pong dinidinig na kaso sa korte… Wala silang karapatan na gibahin iyan. Giniba po iyang mga bahay at wala silang pinakitang papeles mula sa korte," a resident who only identified himself as Freddie said in a radio interview. When the residents tried stopping the demolition operation, residents claimed security guards pointed service shotguns and fired at the residents. "Marami ho nagpaputok sa kanila ng baril. Mayroon pong nakatutok sa tao para hindi makagalaw. Hindi warning shot iyon. Kung warning shot pataas, eh bakit nakatutok sa mga tao?" a resident said. An investigation by the Quezon City Police District Station 11 is underway, the report added. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV