Baguio declares 59 structures unsafe, unfit for occupancy

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) — Baguio City has declared 59 structures in Camp 7 along Kennon Road unsafe and unfit for occupancy, and has asked owners to demolish them.

The local government said Saturday that the structures were built within public land, and were found to have encroached the road-right-of-way.

At least 20 of them were built within creek easement of Bued River, a protected land under the Environmental Code of the City of Baguio.

"The structures are hanging and it is very dangerous especially during the rainy season. The creek walls where the structures were grouted were not meant to support structures," Charles Dumasi of the city's legal office said.

"Since easements are public land, it is a non-habitable area where construction of structures therein is absolutely prohibited and considered unsafe," the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) added.

The CBAO also said most of the structures were made of wood, steel and GI sheets, while others were built using reinforced concrete.

Owners have also been using the structures for commercial purposes without business permits. The oldest stall was built in 1972, the CBAO noted.

"Some of the occupants agreed to the maximum of 15 days grace period for them to remove their structures," the local government said.

They will given "livelihood assistance in the form of skills training" by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.