Testigo March-April 2010 Issue

Communities in Metro Manila register opposition to demolitions, displacement from livelihood. Resist demolitions; assert our right to livelihood and decent housing. This was the message of urban poor communities in the National Capital Region (NCR) facing threats of demolition and displacement from their livelihood.

Community Petitions: Statement of fire victims in Gasangan, Baseco; Statement of unity and demands of poor families in Tabing Lawa; Statement of unity of families residing along the railways of Pacwood and RMT Site, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City; Stand of Navoteños; Statement of Unity, Conviction and Demands of Poor Families in NBP-Muntinlupa

Smile in Every Step Project (Tsinelas, Lapis at iba pa). Today, two communities in the Philippines are confronted with immediate relief and rehabilitation problems, to wit: Muntinlupa City. More than 960 families living near the railways were forcedly evicted by Philippine government authorities on April 27, 2009 in Muntinlupa City.   This is to give way for the modernization and rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways. The government, unfortunately, was unable to provide a relocation site and rehabilitation program for them.  The affected families were left homeless and are currently living in dire situations in makeshift tents near the railways.

'Justice for Gregan Cardeño'. The family, relatives and friends of Gregan Cardeño are saddened and shocked on his unexpected death. This came two days after Gregan happily started his work as interpreter of the US soldiers, under BALIKATAN of the Joint Special Operation Task Force – Philippines, stationed at 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army at Camp Ranao in Marawi City, headed by its team leader US Captain Mike Kaye.

Lumad, farmer leaders decry army’s murder charges, cries persecution related to the may polls. Katribu Partylist together with local farmers’ organizations in Davao Del Sur condemned  the filing of frustrated murder case against its leaders and members by the 39th Infantry Battalion and  the 72nd IB at the Sta. Cruz Police department.