Rights group decries 'reckless' removal of street dwellers ahead of Asean Summit

MANILA — A group representing street dwellers has criticized the government's displacement and beautification operations preceding the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit scheduled for November 15-17.

Kaagapay ng mga Sandigan ng Masang Nasa Kalsada (Kasama Ka), an organization advocating for people in street dwelling situations, called the operations reckless and poorly timed. Executive Director Gil Espenido raised concerns about the removal of vulnerable populations from Manila's streets, characterizing the push as an attempt to present a sanitized image of the capital to international visitors.

The pre-summit cleanup campaign has intensified in recent weeks across key areas of Metro Manila. Government agencies have cited beautification and urban management as objectives, though critics argue such operations disproportionately affect the city's most marginalized residents without providing adequate alternative shelter or support services.

Kasama Ka called for more comprehensive social protection measures and warned that temporary displacement does not address underlying homelessness challenges. The group urged policymakers to balance infrastructure development with genuine concern for vulnerable populations, particularly during major international events that draw global scrutiny to the country's social conditions.

The Asean Summit is expected to draw leaders and high-level officials from across the 10-member regional bloc to Manila.