MAYOR Mauricio Domogan, in coordination with Tuba, Benguet Mayor Florencio Bentrez, directed the composite team of the City Buildings and Architecture Office, City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Works and Highways-Baguio City District Engineering Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and the Baguio City Police office to fast track the investigation regarding the massive squatting in the Baguio Dairy Farm at Green Valley.
Domogan said the Baguio Animal Industry is a reservation under the DA but more than 62 hectares of the Dairy Farm were issued a Certificate of Ancestral Land Title (CALT) by the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) in favor of the heirs of Ikang Paus.
The DA earlier filed a case against the squatters occupying the lots and won the case. But the DA is still waiting for the writ of execution from the court to enable it to carry out the demolition of illegal structures within the reservation.
Based on reports, there is a significant number of lands sold to individuals leading to the proliferation of structures now seen within the Baguio Dairy Farm.
Domogan stressed lands covered by a CALT must not be sold or disposed to any individual apart from the clan since the purpose of ancestral land claims is to preserve the domain of the Indigenous Peoples.
“We said to the DA to take a picture on the present situation at the Dairy Farm and forward it to the Solicitor General Office and closely coordinate with them,” added the mayor.
Initial investigation showed there are 254 illegal structures in the reservation. However, the second investigation already showed more than 400 squatters.
The owners of the structures said they will continue to improve their properties unless they will receive a court order stopping them.
Domogan stressed that without the proper building permits, authorities have the absolute right to stop these developments until owners comply with requirements.
The composite team was tasked to conduct investigation, validation and identification on the location of the structures and determine the number of illegal structures built within Baguio City and structures built within Tuba, Benguet.
After the investigation, notices of demolition order from the city government of Baguio and the local government of Tuba will be issued simultaneously to concerned individuals. (Jho Arranz)