Clashes break out over Manila slum evictions

Residents of this Manila slum attack police with homemade Molotov cocktails - and anything else they can turn into a weapon.

Clashes broke out on Monday after community members attempted to block demolition workers from tearing down their illegal settlement.

Police responded by blasting rioters with water cannon and tear gas and were eventually able to bypass the blockade.

Around 250 people are expected to lose their homes.

Authorities had promised the evicted families cash to move outside the city, but many refused, saying they'd be unable to find work or get basic social services.

They were left in despair as they watched their homes being destroyed.

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) TAXI DRIVER RUBEN PERENCIO SAYING:

"This is our land, but they took it. They used force. We can no longer fight them."

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) RESIDENT ADELINA ABIDABLE SAYING:

"We have no more choices left. They are here, they entered our community."

An estimated 1.5 million people in the capital live in informal settlements built on unused land owned by private businesses or the government.

The sprawling shanty towns are often blamed for blocking and polluting city waterways, which cause massive flooding during the monsoon season.