Quezon City Police District officers secure clearing operations at the fire-hit residential area along NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan on Thursday (April 9, 2026). The QC government, in a statement on Friday (April 10), strongly condemned the violence that stemmed from the clearing operation, leaving more than 20 police officers injured. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
The Quezon City government has strongly denounced the violence that erupted during clearing operations along NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan, where at least 20 police officers were injured after being attacked with bottles, stones, and other hard objects.
In a statement issued Friday, City Hall praised the Quezon City Police District for showing “maximum tolerance and professionalism” despite the volatile situation.
“Walang puwang ang karahasan at kawalan ng kaayusan sa ating lungsod,” the city government said, stressing that violence and disorder have no place in Quezon City.
Authorities said the unrest not only put lives at risk but also disrupted the implementation of a major housing project intended to benefit thousands of residents. Based on an initial investigation, the city government said the disturbance was allegedly instigated by individuals with vested interests, including illegal occupants said to be profiting from public land along NIA Road by renting it out.
Also reportedly involved were former housing beneficiaries who had already been relocated and were no longer qualified under the program, but continued to stay in the area.
“Hindi natin maaaring hayaang manaig ang interes ng iilan laban sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” the city government said, adding that most residents had already expressed support for the housing development through peaceful dialogue.
Despite the violence, the city government made clear that the housing project will move forward, with legitimate residents remaining the priority beneficiaries. Of the 2,332 affected families, more than 1,600 have already been certified to receive units under a vertical housing development project that is expected to be completed within 18 months and turned over by December 2027.
The city also said that more than 200 families have chosen in-city relocation, while another 200 have opted for off-city resettlement with support coordinated through the National Housing Authority.
To help displaced families, the local government said financial assistance has already been rolled out in partnership with the NHA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Homeowners received P60,000 each, while renters and sharers were given P35,000. In total, the city said more than P100 million in integrated financial assistance and rental subsidies has already been distributed.
Additional rental subsidies are also set to be provided by the city government and the DSWD to families covered by the housing program. At the same time, Quezon City said it continues to consult with the community on extending the use of evacuation centers to assist families while they look for temporary homes.
Lease contract templates are likewise being distributed by the QC Housing, Community Development and Resettlement Department to help affected families secure temporary rentals, a key requirement for receiving additional DSWD rental assistance.
“Naninindigan ang Pamahalaang Lungsod Quezon sa layunin nito na mabigyan ng ligtas, disente, at abot-kayang pabahay ang bawat pamilya sa lungsod,” the city government said. It added that it would not allow violence or personal interests to derail a project meant to give long-term housing security to thousands of residents.
