An illegal structure located at Gibraltar barangay was demolished on April 11-12, 2024 after due process by virtue of Demolition Order 22 s. 2023 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
The structure owned by a private individual was within Forbes Park Forest reservation as certified by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.
A portion of the said structure was found to be within the minimum three meters creek easement as per certification issued by the City Engineering office.
Hence, it is in violation of the provisions of Art. 51 of Presidential Decree 1067; and sec. 22(a), 105( c) and 110(c) of the Environmental Code of Baguio (Ordinance No.18 series of 2016).
These are all in relation to the pertinent provision of the National Building Code (Presidential Decree 1096) which provides that construction without permit is illegal.
Engr. Donald Gas-ib, head of the CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division, said the operation was carried out in the presence of the personnel of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) who provided security, Commission on Human Rights, PMA and barangay officials who observed the proceedings.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged residents to continue reporting illegal structures and squatting activities to safeguard watersheds, forest and military reservations and private lots from intrusions.
Complaints may be lodged with the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) at 442-2503.
As per procedures, owners of illegal structures found in titled lots without ownership issues were ordered to stop construction and secure building permits. Those with conflicts were issued cease and desist orders with the advice to resolve the lot issues.
Constructions on untitled or unregistered lots were issued notices of violation and subjected to investigations. Structures found in safeguarded lots were immediately endorsed for summary demolition. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
