(CNN Philippines) — Tensions rise in a compound in Caloocan as an informal settler area is set to be demolished on Tuesday (May 26).
Several people are reportedly injured after residents prevented authorities from demolishing the area.
The demolition of Calaanan Compound in Caloocan was scheduled at 8 a.m. Tuesday, but the demolition order was served past 8 a.m.
The residents, however, did not honor the demolition order.
Residents made a makeshift barricade to prevent members of the Philippine National Police and the demolition team from entering the premises.
As soon as the demolition team was able to enter the premises, residents started throwing empty glass bottles and small pieces of concrete at the authorities.
Several gunshots were fired, although it is still unclear if these gunshots were fired by the authorities or the residents of Calaanan Compound.
PO1 Virgilio Cabangis of the District Police Safety Battalion was hit by a bullet from an improvised gun, as confirmed by Senior Supt. Bart Bustamante, chief of the Caloocan City Police Station.
Two people from the rescue team are also reported to have been injured, but this is yet to be confirmed by the police.
Six firetrucks were deployed in the area and members of the Bureau of Fire Protection had to hose down some residents to prevent further aggression.
About 200 Caloocan police officers were also deployed aside from augmented teams from the Northern Police District and the National Capital Region Police Office.
The demolition is still ongoing, but it had become already peaceful by 10:55 a.m.
The authorities are still trying to penetrate the place, which a total area of about 7,000 square meters.
About 500 houses are set to be demolished. This will affect 500 families, but Bustamante told CNN Philippines that 200 out of the 500 families have agreed to a cash settlement.
