Ultimatum set for illegal structures inside Puguis

LA TRINIDAD -- Some 13 structures inside the Puguis Communal Forest here are up for demolition, as the local government unit asked for occupants to voluntarily remove illegal structures before June 21.

A demolition advice was served by the Office of the Municipal Engineer to seven individuals. It was addressed to the heirs of Tiotioen: Pedro Isican, Manuel Matias, Gretchen Tiotioen Fagyan, Jane Does, John Does, Peter Does, and Nineta Mendoza.

"Please be informed that Demolition Order 02-PUG, Series of 2019 shall be enforced on June 21, 2019. A copy of the said demolition order with attachment is attached," state the order.

The respondents were advised to voluntarily demolish their structures before June 21 to avoid confiscation of materials.

On May 30, Mayor Romeo Salda signed the demolition order for the illegal structures. It was received by representatives of Tiotioen.

Under the demolition order, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued several certifications against the illegal structures.

The Office of the Municipal Engineer in addition certified the structures with geo-tagged photographs of the improvements introduced inside the communal forest with the coordinates not covered by building permits.

The Municipal Building Office will serve as the demolition team in coordination with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and La Trinidad police.

In April, some 499 hollow blocks and 142 sacks of sand were confiscated in the forest.