THANKS to Miss Universe, Bibak demolition was once again cancelled, but not for long.
The coming of the international beauties on January 18 has stopped the wrecking ball set to demolish over 200 structures in the Benguet-Ifugao-Bontoc-Apayao-Kalinga (BIBAK) property.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the scheduled Miss Universe visit on the same day has pushed the local government to forgo and re - schedule demolition plans.
Domogan said the development has also made plans by occupants to vacate the premises amicably and voluntarily dismantle structures.
At least 58 illegal structures sits at BIBAK lot which the occupants claimed they have been occupying since 1982 and are members of the marginalized sector.
The Regional Trial Court refused to grant a temporary restraining order to stop the City Government from demolishing structures at the government-owned lot along Harrison Road.
Domogan said the offer of settlers to cooperate is taken as a positive development which the local government and stakeholders welcome.
“We have to get their commitment under oath [they will abide by their word] or we will proceed with the demolition plans,” Domogan said.
Courts junked the motion for reconsideration of 50 occupants as it lacks argument and insists the petitioners do not have the right of structure as they do not own the lot.
Domogan said parcels of agricultural land in Longlong, La Trinidad is being eyed as relocation for settlers following a talk with mayor Romeo Salda progressing to convert the land into residential.