The Philippine Online Chronicles

Tension resulted in the arrest of four persons during the demolition of about 350 shanties owned by informal settlers in Barangay Old Balara in Commonwealth, Quezon City on Wenesday.

Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista asked the land owner for a five-day reprieve but was denied. Thus the demolition of houses was continued following the failure of negotiations between the lawyers of Susana Realty Inc. and the informal settlers.

The demolition also brought early rush-hour traffic along Commonwealth Ave. as the residents started throwing rocks and other objects at the demolition team.

Quezon City Police District-Station 6 commander Supt. Ronnie Montejo explained that the demolition was originally scheduled for last Friday.

According to lawyer Arturo Temanil, representative of the protesting residents, the informal settlers were not notified regarding the demolition. However, the Philippine Star quoted the court sheriff as saying they received documents saying the residents were given notice.