The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday downplayed the issue that its personnel were allegedly involved in the violence-marred demolition of 300 shanties in Pasay City where some Muslim informal settlers were injured.

Reacting to reports, Acting Public Works Secretary Victor Domingo said the DPWH’s part on the actual demolition work was merely giving “transport support” in the relocation of Muslims living in the area. “We regret that there is an untoward incident in an otherwise peaceful relocation. I am asking for sobriety and everybody there should remain calm and find out the mistakes made,” Domingo said.

Tension gripped the demolition operation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) when Muslim residents refused to vacate the land near a mosque and threw stones against the riot police and demolition team members.

This reportedly prompted 800 policemen to fire warning shots against resisting residents. There were 12 men from both the demolition team and as well as from the community of informal settlers who were hurt.

He said DPWH only lent six dump trucks to transfer the informal settlers and their house materials. It is in accordance with a memorandum of agreement that DPWH signed with other key agencies. “Actually our dump trucks were situated in Macapagal Boulevard while the ruckus was ongoing. They were just awaiting call for them to come in after the demolition was over,” Edilberto Tayao, DPWH director for National Capital Region, said. (Raymund F. Antonio)