A day after the violent dispersal of residents barricading East Bank Road to stop the impending demolition of their homes along Floodway, the 31 who were arrested underwent inquest proceedings for illegal assembly and direct assault charges.
Ten minors were also arrested and held in the Pasig Youth Homes. Local authorities reportedly said they are exploring to file charges against them as well.
During the August 31 afternoon dispersal, there were only 29 residents arrested. The number climbed to 41 by late night after police conducted hot pursuit operations.
Members of Balikwas Kadamay, the organization of residents of Floodway in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City protesting the demolition, and relatives of those arrested staged an indignation rally at the police station as inquest proceedings were held.
Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Karlos Zarate visited the 31 jailed at the Pasig City Police Station.
The legislator also visited the dispersal site and conducted a consultation with the residents in their community that was threatened to be demolished. Zarate said that Bayan Muna and Makabayan bloc in Congress would file a resolution to conduct an investigation regarding the violent dispersal.
Residents were considering to file counter-charges against police officers for the violent dispersal. They also cried foul over the hot pursuit being implemented by the PNP against the residents.
Residents reiterated their call to stop demolition plans in their community.
They also called on President Rodrigo Duterte to issue a Presidential Proclamation awarding them the land they are currently occupying for more than 40 years now.
Watch Tudla Productions’ newsreel of the dispersal of protesting residents in Floodway:
