120 illegal Gibraltar stalls demolished to start satellite market

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government last Dec. 4-7 demolished 120 illegal stalls occupying a lot intended for the barangay satellite market project at Gibraltar barangay.
    The move was by virtue of demolition order 49 series of 2023 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
    Engineer Donald Gas-ib, head of the City Buildings and Architectures Office (CBAO) Investigation and Demolition Division said that apart from the 120 structures, there were five others dismantled voluntarily by their owners.
    The demolition was executed to pave the way for the construction of a four-storey upgraded satellite market building which will serve Gibraltar and other barangays in the vicinity.
    In his report, Gas-ib said they were first met with resistance by the stall owners but this was quelled subsequently.
    The operation was carried out with the assistance of a composite team composed of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) which provided security, Emergency Medical Service which provided stand by medical service and the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office which provided relief assistance to the affected families.
    The Commission on Human Rights representatives and barangay officials were also present to observe the proceedings.
    Gas-ib said investigation revealed that the vendors have been occupying and leasing out the stalls without authority.
    The vendors opposed the satellite market project and refused to vacate the premises resulting in the delay in the implementation of the project.
    With the area now cleared, the contractor can take over the area to start the project, Gas-ib said.