Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has appealed to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an investigation into the alleged human rights violations committed by the heavily armed demolition team of Clarkhills Properties Corporation.
The demolition team who carried firearms during the demolition last March 12 at Sitio Balubad, Barangay Anunas, engaged in a shooting rampage that left five injured.
The five injured residents were identified as Gregorio Navarette, 47; Anna Marie Alper, 57, both residents of Purok 2, Barangay Anunas, Angeles City; John Singian, 22, and Alvin Nobicio, 32, of Purok 1 in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City; and Melvin de la Cruz, 36, of Barangay Margot, Angeles City.
Also, two media persons were reportedly harassed during the demolition by armed men believed to be from the demolition team. They were Rowena Quejada, K5 radio reporter and Joann Manabat of Rappler, both members of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) from Pampanga and Zambales-Olongapo Chapter.
On February 8, 2024, a similar surprise violent demolition occurred between the Clarkhills demolition team and the indignant residents.
In a letter to Atty. Richard Paat Palpal-Latoc, Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Mayor Lazatin has appealed for an investigation into the alleged human rights violations committed by the demolition team of Clarkhills Properties Corporation.
Lazatin said “while City Government recognizes the rights of Clarkhills Properties Corporation, our priority, first and foremost, is to look out for the well-being of our constituents.”
He cited “several reports of alarming instances of violence and human rights violations allegedly committed by the Clarkhills demolition team.”
Among the reports include the using of firearms against the residents picketing the area; demolition of houses while residents are still inside their homes; erection of checkpoints in the area; restricting the entry and exit of people in the area; and other acts of violence, resulting in children being hurt.
