Last January 25, 2011, the city government of San Juan led by Mayor Guia Gomez, former President Joseph Estrada’s mistress and Cong. JV Ejercito’s mother, using its police force and hired demolition team violently dispersed the resisting residents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus when the police couldn’t break their barricades to prevent the demolition of their homes. The city government wants to build a new city hall, inspired by America’s White House, and eventually a government center in Brgy. Corazon de Jesus where hundreds of houses stand. (Read story about the demolition here.)
Many were injured, either by the police’s beating or by tear gas thrown at the protesters. Fifteen were incarcerated but hopefully everyone will be released this week. Even members of alternative media group Tudla Productions who has been covering the struggle of the residents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus were harassed by policemen.
But if the Ejercito clan thought that an overkill–complete with water cannon, rocks, snipers, M-16, shields, truncheon and tear gas–will stop the residents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus from defending their homes, they better think twice.
A day after their homes were demolished, residents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus led by the Sandigan ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa (SAMANA) immediately built their homes collectively. They used the materials from the houses that were demolished and from donations coming from supporters. Then, they brought their issue to Mendiola and marched to raise their concern to President Noynoy Aquino.
"Tumbalik" Residents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus build their homes again after the demolition (Photo by Tudla Productions)
