Gov’t sets demolition of Itogon mines, shanties

 Oct. 25 deadline lapses 

By Jessica Jane Barriento

ITOGON, Benguet – The deadline for owners of shanties and small scale mines here to vacate and demolish these has lapsed and the local government is set to demolish these.

These were earlier declared as "no build zones" and owners were given until Oct. 25 to voluntarily dismantle their structures before these would be issued demolition orders.

Based on advisory issued by Itogon Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan dated Oct. 17, all concerned barangay officials and occupants of shanties must comply with the “no build zone” policy.

A report submitted by the local government to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau identified various areas such as barangays Ampucao, Loacan, Ucab, and Gumatdang as highly susceptible to landslide.

A meeting was held Oct. 10 by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in which they recommended the demolition of structures on high risk areas.

According to Palangdan, this will prevent reoccurrence of the tragedy that killed more than 80 people in this town due to landslide caused by Typhoon Ompong last month.

Based on advisory issued by the mayor, mandatory demolition will be implemented by concerned authorities in coordination with the Philippine National Police or other uniformed personnel.

Before the given deadline, all concerned barangay officials were advised to disseminate the notice to their constituents for compliance.