Three persons were hurt by pillbox explosions during the demolition yesterday morning of some 250 shanties in Quezon City in The Philippines.

Gary Romano, 23, of Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal; and his neighbors John Consulta, 21, and Jesus Ramos, 21, all members of the demolition crew, were wounded by the explosions and were treated at the East Avenue Medical Center.

According to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Galas Station 11, the explosions occurred at around 9 a.m. yesterday in the middle of demolition operations in a 2,500-square meter lot at the corner of 6th and 7th Streets in Barangay Mariana, New Manila.

Despite barricades set up by the 600 families living in the property, demolition teams allegedly hired by a claimant, the Univac Development Incorporated, dismantled the shanties.

Some residents allegedly used improvised shotguns and pillboxes to attack the demolition teams.

Despite the explosions, the demolition continued after the victims were brought to the hospital. Members of the QCPD civil disturbance management personnel and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) supervised the operations.

Residents claimed the demolition was illegal as there was no resolution yet from the Court of Appeals.

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who visited the site, supported the residents’ position.

Irene Mamucay, one of the residents, said the Court of Appeals was still conducting hearings on the ownership of the property.

She said yesterday’s demolition was the fourth attempt of the realty company to clear the property.

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