Makati City declares Laperal Compound a danger zone

Makati City officials on Monday declared the fire-hit Laperal Compound a "danger zone" and ordered police and village officials to stop residents from returning to their houses because of safety concerns. “Those who opt for relocation will continue to receive benefits as Makati residents such as subsidized hospitalization, and the city government will pay for the cost of construction materials. We will only ask them to take part in the construction. This will be their sweat equity," Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said. Binay said the individuals will get P3,000 while families will get P5,000 in cash assistance, referring to individual boarders and families renting rooms in the compound. Some residents, however, refused to leave their "homes," even barricading the neighborhood, according to a report on dzBB radio Monday night. The city government said a census conducted by its Social Welfare Department (SWD) showed that 90 percent of the settlers in Laperal compound are either boarders or are renting rooms at rates ranging from P1,000 to P3,000 per room a month. It said several individuals have been renting out as much as 15 to 20 rooms to boarders or families. Only around 400 families – out of over 2,000 families staying at Laperal compound – are considered actual residents, according to the SWD. “We will provide assistance to those in need, but we will not tolerate the activities of those who profit from misery," Binay said. He added Makati will also provide additional help for those who: