New demolition order threatens fishing community in Cavite
Maragondon, Cavite – The fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas) decries the recent demolition order served by the Naic Regional Trial Court (RTC) through the residents of Brgy. Patungan, Maragondon Cavite on May 12. Brgy. Patungan or Sta. Mercedes is a 602-hectare fishing community in Maragondon and is a home to more than 300 fisherfolk and peasant families. It is being claimed by the Maria Theresa Virata (MTV) Realty Corp.
Patungan has been sold by the MTV Realty Corp. to Manila Southcoast Development Corp. (MSDC), a developing firm owned by business tycoon Henry Sy who is about to convert Patungan into an eco-tourism hub or extension of his private beach resorts in the adjacent Hacienda Looc in Nasugbu, Batangas.
PAMALAKAYA recalled the first attempt of demolition on August last year that turned violent when around 800 combined elements of Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Virata’s private security guards surrounded and harassed the community to execute the demolition. The demolition failed through the strong resistance of the residents who defended their community and houses.
According to Dole Tambungon, a fisherman from Patungan and Spokesperson of PAMALAKAYA in Southern Tagalog, even they have frustrated the demolition attempt, private security guards and numerous police and military elements remain near their community. Tambungon said their presence creates fear and intimidation to the residents.
“If the demolition will proceed, it will displace hundreds of fishing families not only from our homes but also from our livelihood. Our forefathers have been living here for centuries; we will not let any private developing firm to suddenly take what is rightfully and morally ours,” Tambungon said in a statement.
PAMALAKAYA said they will continue to oppose any reclamation and conversion projects that destroy the marine environment and moreover, the socio-economic rights and welfare of the fisherfolk. ###
