Police arrest lawyer protesting demolition near NKTI

A lawyer who stepped in to stop the demolition of a lot owned by his client beside the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City was arrested by police on Thursday.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras,” Atty. Noel Valerio arrived at the lot in the middle of the demolition to demand to see the court order permitting the activity.

The contested lot will be used by the NKTI for the establishment of a five-storey dialysis building.

“May court order po ba kayo? Nasaan? Papakita natin sa media. Ihinto ‘yan,” he told the chief of the local Task Force for the Control, Prevention and Removal of Illegal Structures and Squatting (COPRISS).

COPRISS chief Marlo Jacutin maintained that they obtained the necessary permits to proceed with the demolition.

“Kinausap sila ng PCUP, ng aming Urban Poor office. Lahat, kumpleto ‘to. Talagang ayaw lang nila umalis,” Jacutin said, referring to the residents.

Tensions ran high after one of the residents backing Valerio punched a member of the demolition team.

After the incident, police arrested the lawyer.

Valerio resisted but was outnumbered by the cops.

Another claimant, Atty. Allan Mendoza, was also at the scene during the demolition.

He said that the lot was purchased by his client from Valerio’s client.

“Ang pagmamay-ari niya, kinilala ng QC RTC Branch 83. So kinikilala na siya ‘yung may-ari ng lupa na ‘to. Unfortunately, on appeal by OSG (Office of the Solicitor General) to the CA (Court of Appeals), na-reverse ‘yung decision on technicality,” Mendoza said.

“Now, the case is with the Supreme Court. Kumabaga, meron pang court case and yet kumilos sila,” he added.

Despite the tension that broke out, the demolition efforts still pushed through.

The NKTI said it needed the lot because the project had already been funded.

The local government said it would temporarily house the displaced residents inside the QC Memorial Circle.

The NKTI added that it was ready to face any complaints. -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News