Cop shot as demolition of homes turns violent in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines – One policeman sustained a gunshot wound when  violence marred a court-ordered demolition of an informal settlers’ community in Caloocan City on Tuesday, May 26.

Police Officer 1 Virgilio Cabangis was shot on the left thigh as residents of Calaanan compound in Caloocan City tried to fend off the demolition team, said Police Chief Superintendent Jonathan Ferdinand Miano, Northern Police District (NPD) chief.

Miano said that based on a report from the field, Cabangis, a member of the NPD Public Safety Battalion, was shot by a “still unidentified resident.”

“Efforts are now being conducted to identify the shooter,” Miano said.

Cabangis was brought to the nearby Manila Central University (MCU) for treatment and was declared out of danger.

Media reports said that 3 people were arrested over the incident, including the police officer’s alleged shooter.

The Calaanan compound in Barangay 86 is home to an estimated 500 families, some of whom have reportedly received assistance from the private property owner to move out and live elsewhere.

Residents threw bottles and molotovs at the policemen and the demolition team, and gunshots were heard during the scuffle.

Based on the latest report to Miano, the “demolition is proceeding peacefully and resistance had been reduced to a minimum.” – Rappler.com