The Baguio City Council has passed a resolution seeking a three-month moratorium on the demolition of illegal structures situated on public lands and military reservations. This deliberate pause seeks to give the city government adequate time to further study the situations of settlers and come up with humane policies and comprehensive programs to address their needs.
The city council’s resolution “respectfully” requests Mayor Benjamin Magalong to suspend the dismantling of these unpermitted houses that have encroached on public lands and military reservations, suggesting to the executive department to study whether these affected individuals can avail of the city’s Luna Terraces socialized housing project or other future housing programs.
During the regular session of the city council on January 22, 2024, residents of Camp Allen and Loakan proper, who had been issued demolition orders by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), expressed their concerns on their potential displacement and appealed to the city council members for intervention.
The CBAO has been proactively undertaking demolition operations within the city not only on titled lots but also on forest reservations, military reservations, and other safeguarded lands.
While supportive of the city government’s goal to protect titled lands, urban spaces, forest reserves, and government properties from encroachment, members of the city council emphasized the need for a comprehensive study on the circumstances of the informal settlers and a well-considered plan to ensure the welfare of these individuals before undertaking any demolition efforts.
The city council members emphasized the need for a dialogue with the executive department to clarify matters regarding the city government’s socialized housing project and other future housing endeavors, particularly on the prioritization of beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Councilor Benny Bomogao stated that only the courts can order the demolition of decades-old structures. He described any attempt for summary eviction as “injustice.”
Should the executive department grant the city council’s request for a three-month moratorium, affected residents could find some temporary relief in their current living situations. This respite could provide them with an opportunity to explore solutions and engage in constructive dialogue with city officials.
The resolution has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office for appropriate action. **Jordan G. Habbiling
