The Geneva-based Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) today called on the Philippines government to immediately stop all forced evictions in Navotas City, Manila. The government began demolishing homes along Road 10 (R10) in Navotas City in northern Metro Manila earlier this year. Approximately 393 families have reportedly been made homeless. Approximately 600 further families are at risk of eviction. “The government must call an immediate halt to these demolitions and find adequate housing for those whose homes have already been destroyed,” said Rolando Modina, Director of COHRE`s Asia Programme. Evicted families are now living in “lean-tos” on the roadside where their homes once stood, or camping outside the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The evictions and demolitions were carried out in violation of numerous national and international human rights obligations of the Philippines government and thus constitute illegal forced evictions. Violations include: * The use of force – including with batons, shields and water cannons – against residents trying to protect their homes from demolition. Violence was reportedly used against women protesters in particular * Failure to provide adequate relocation in advance to residents affected by the road- widening project. * Exclusion of those affected by demolitions from exercising their right to vote at the upcoming general elections in May 2010. Voter registration requirements demand six months prior registration at a place of residence in order to enlist in the voters register – a requirement that those evicted from their homes now cannot fulfil. “The threatened exclusion of hundreds in Navotas City from voting in the upcoming general election is a violation of their rights,” said Rolando Modina. “If the government had done its duty and found adequate housing for these families before undertaking the demolitions, we wouldn`t be facing this problem. They need to fix the mess they have created and find suitable homes for the 1000 affected families immediately.” Residents initially agreed that the R10 road-widening project necessitates their relocation, and welcomed a proposed relocation to Montalban/Rodriguez municipality, promised to them in 2008 by the government. Instead of the promised relocations, the DPWH is now offering P21,000 (USD 460) per family as compensation for the loss of their homes. “The sums being offered to families who have lost their homes are totally inadequate,” said Rolando Modina. “Furthermore, the offer violates Philippine national legislation, which mandates the provision of adequate alternative housing for evicted people.” Source: http://www.cohre.org/view_page.php?page_id=394 (19 March 2010)

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