Tension gripped a Tondo neighborhood Monday as a Manila city demolition team began tearing down a barangay hall, despite protests from residents and local officials.

The demolition crew, led by Engineer Joseph Bulanon, started dismantling the concrete barangay hall at the intersection of Samal and Orion streets in Dinalupihan, Tondo. The three-story building was reportedly still under construction.

Barangay 208 chairperson Rolly Reyes appealed to the demolition team to halt the work, but Bulanon said that the demolition order was already in effect and the barangay had been informed.

In an interview, Reyes asserted that due to Manila’s lack of open spaces, the previous barangay leadership had made a “courageous and challenging attempt” to erect an office capable of hosting various village governance functions, including a daycare center.

Reyes expressed concern that residents, particularly seniors, would now lack a central place for services, meetings, and medical outreach. While acknowledging the office was built on a sidewalk, he argued it served and greatly benefited the community.

The barangay hall was constructed in 2011, and Reyes said there had been no complaints or valid criticisms regarding the structure until now, emphasizing its clear purpose of serving the people.