The local government of Cainta, Rizal has demolished makeshift shelters under a bridge on Ortigas Avenue that officials said were being used as hideouts by snatchers.

Cainta Mayor-elect and municipal administrator Keith Nieto said Monday that the illegal settlers had been living under the bridge.

Nieto said he had given the illegal settlers three days to vacate the area.

“The number of makeshift shelters is increasing. It was reported to me that the area was being used as a hideout by snatchers in Junction and those who steal electrical cables where the copper is peeled and sold to a junk shop,” he said.

“Three days have passed, and our team returned to clean the area. We brought a truck and people to do this,” he added.

The incoming mayor said that one of the illegal settlers was given a lot in a local government housing project in the Balai community.

Another was picked up by relatives from Marikina City, while another was sent home to Taytay.

“The remaining four were brought to our shelter to be kept until they can decide what they want to do with their lives,” Nieto said.

“We assigned someone to go around here every week to make sure no one will be returning here. There are three more bridges to follow in the coming days,” he added.