I EXPRESS my deep concern about the situation of the settlers of Purok San Roque, Talomo after numerous attempts at eviction that violate their human rights.
The San Roque settlers have been facing relentless harassment from the land’s claimant since October 2024. The situation escalated in December 2024, when settlers first experienced an attempt at demolition resulting in chaos and unsettlement. In January this year, the compound was closed upon orders of the alleged landowner. The harassment of purok members living in the area escalated last week when they were forcibly told to vacate their homes without due process.
As of Sunday, January 12, we conducted consultations as residents feared for their safety after several people were physically injured during intermittent altercations during these eviction attempts.
To reiterate my stand on the issue, the right to adequate housing is a human right under the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. As such, forced evictions and demolitions of the San Roque Settlers are deemed gross violations of human rights and infringements on the right to adequate housing (UN and OHCHR 2009). Procedural protections are also provided in the UN CESCR General Comment Case No. 7 in case of forced evictions, even in cases involving private land, stating that there has to be an opportunity for genuine consultation with those affected. Dili makatarungan ug subay sa tawhanong katungod ang gihimo nga pagpahawa nga wala’y court order ug pagpanghasi sa mga taga-San Roque.
The current situation we now see in Purok San Roque, Talomo is indeed deplorable as many informal settlers, on top of having to lose their homes, are struggling to meet their families’ daily basic needs. They are also ineligible for housing loans from the Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF) and Pag-IBIG. The National Statistics Office estimates that there are approximately 4.5 million homeless people in the Philippines, which is the largest homeless population in Southeast Asia. In Davao City alone, our relocation sites are not enough and the lack of facilities such as water and electricity remain a challenge.
The state shall, pursuant to Section 9, Article XIII of the Constitution, ensure that underprivileged and homeless citizens have access to an adequate, safe, secure, habitable, sustainable, resilient and affordable home. Shelter is a basic human right, which the government has a responsibility to ensure and uphold.
The Marcos administration should prioritize the development of sustainable, decent, as well as free, and affordable housing in consultation with urban poor communities. Moreover, we must uphold Davao City’s “No Relocation, No Demolition” policy. Aside from the issue of proper relocation, we should exercise utmost compassion and consideration for each other as we collectively confront the challenge of homelessness in the whole country.
Former Councilor Pamela “Pameng” Librado
