Militants rally outside DPWH to demand houses promised to them

A group of militants on Tuesday staged a protest action outside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Manila to demand the housing and financial assistance promised to them by the agency, dzBB Carlo Mateo reported on Tuesday.

This came two months after members of militant urban poor group, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) occupied idle government housing units in Pandi, Bulacan.

Around 100 members of Aksyon sa Kahandaan para sa Kalamidad at Klima (AKKMA), according to the report, gathered as early as 8 a.m. in front of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros and marched toward the Bonifacio Drive Port Area where the DPWH's Central Office is located, and held a protest there.

The group said that it has been two years since their houses along Road 10, North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City were demolished, and the DPWH has yet to award them the supposed assistance promised by the agency.

The militant group called their movement as "Exodus ng mga Maralita," to protest their right for a housing and financial assistance.

They also brought sleeping mats, cooking utensils, and drinking water along with them as they attempt to occupy the gates of the DPWH.

However, the movement was immediately controlled by the Civil Disturbance Management of Manila Police District.

The president of the group insisted they would stay in front of the agency's office until DPWH officials agree to meet with them to discuss their concerns. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/MDM, GMA News