BAGUIO City’s demolition team will begin dismantling stalls at Block III of the public market for the developments which started Sunday.
After Mayor Mauricio Domogan said improvements of the market as bid out by the past administration will be implemented, Market Superintendent Policarpio Tamayo signed and distributed notices of demolition to stall holders at Block III Friday afternoon.
The notices were also posted in giant tarpaulin banners in the affected areas.
Chances of securing a restraining order to halt demolition were nil because the notices were distributed at almost the closing of office hours.
Around 700 stalls have been given until 5 a.m. Sunday to voluntarily dismantle their stalls. Onwards, the city team would demolish all other stalls.
Tamayo said affected vendors will be relocated at the slaughterhouse compound.
"Your cooperation is enjoined to pave the way for the development of Block III into a safe, orderly and clean public market," Tamayo added.
Last Friday evening, the Baguio City Police Office cordoned off the area. On Saturday afternoon, teams from the BCPO, Bureau of Fire Protection, Special Weapons and Tactics and Emergency Medical Services have been deployed in the area presumably in preparation for the demolition, Sunday.
"Block III of the public market is a nuisance. The City Government of Baguio in the exercise of its police power, is abating this nuisance for public welfare and safety," Tamayo said.
Meanwhile, the market task force issued a separate advisory containing an explanation of why it is pursuing development of that portion of the market.
It said Blocks III and IV are properties of the Baguio City government. It claimed Block III does not have legitimate occupants. Vendors in the area reportedly do not have business permits and lease contracts, which results to non-payment of taxes.
The task force also cited various ordinances and resolutions calling for the demolition. (Rimaliza Opiña)