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Mob gets reprieve vs. demolition

BAGUIO CITY (Nov. 8) — The ‘mob rule’ proved its significance again when support from neighbors obtained the mayor’s signature that saved a house from being demolished today in Lower San Carlos Heights in Irisan barangay here.

Mayor Braulio D. Yaranon deferred Demolition Order No. 41-05 that he signed on August 5 this year, in favor of spouses Gilbert and Fely Sally.

Some 100 residents of the said informal settlement sought Yaranon’s intervention shortly after the flag raising ceremonies on Nov. 7.

Yaranon gave the Sally’s ten days to submit their position paper against the Demolition advice issued on September 13.

The complainant, Ferdinand Abuan, representing a certain Bernardo Abuan, submitted a certification on June 30 that no amicable settlement was reached between him and the respondent espouses Sally after a settlement conference called for the purpose.

Aside from Sally, another group of residents is facing the threat of demolition orders sought by alleged land speculators. Some of those who pose threat have surfaced after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a six-month moratorium on Townsite Sales Applications (TSA).

The city charter defined TSA as a mode of acquiring land ownership in Baguio City.

Elsewhere in Irisan people brace against demolitions after houses in Cypress Point were demolished in 2003 and more in the Irisan Lime Kiln last month.

Ornus, the alliance of the urban poor in Baguio, said people could only rely on their collective strength.
“Isu laengen ti nabatbati nga armas tayo,” (This, referring to unity, is the only remaining weapon we have) Ignas Pangket, Ornus Chairperson told the mob in an earlier General Assembly. # Lyn V. Ramo for NORDIS

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