City sustains anti-squatting drive

The City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) continues to intensify its anti-squatting campaign, with head Arch. Johnny Degay reported steady progress in building inspections and enforcement operations in the city.

Degay said that from January to October 2025, the office halted 293 constructions and demolished 11 illegal structures. For the said period, 600 complaints were received and 65 were resolved at the office level.

In 2024, the CBAO issued stoppage orders on 388 constructions and dismantled 24 illegal structures. The office then received 748 complaints and settled 132 cases between parties.

In 2023, 576 constructions were stopped and 168 structures were removed. The office also logged 911 complaints and resolved 134 cases.

Degay said most of the monitored constructions were located in the city’s outskirts, including areas classified as having high to very high susceptibility to landslides.

Degay advised residents to report illegal activities through the CBAO’s hotlines: 0917-745-8638 for the Building Management Division and 0916-158-9338 for the Investigation and Demolition Division.

Meanwhile, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) continues daily forest patrols to protect the city’s watersheds and forest reservations from squatters, land speculators, and illegal loggers.

Camdas Police Station (PS) 2 monitors the Buyog watershed in Pinget and West Quirino Hill, while Aurora Hill PS 6 guards the Busol watershed in Aurora Hill, Ambiong, and Pacdal barangays.

Pacdal PS 3 also covers the Busol watershed on the Tiptop side, the Forbes Park forest reservation in South Drive barangay, and other protected areas.

Kennon Road PS 8 secures the Camp 8 watershed.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong commended the continued vigilance of BCPO personnel and the prompt action of city offices involved in the anti-squatting and anti-illegal structures campaign, noting that their efforts have significantly helped deter encroachment in watersheds and curb unpermitted construction activities.

Residents are urged to support the campaign by reporting illegal structures to the CBAO. – Aileen P. Refuerzo