CITY COUNCIL DEMANDS FREEZE ON LAND DISPUTE ACTIONS IN MILITARY RESERVATIONS

April 19, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The Baguio City Council, through Resolution 353-2025, has demanded an immediate freeze on all actions related to land disputes within
military reservations, including Navy Base, Camp Henry T. Allen, and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). This includes halting demolition orders issued by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) on structures within these areas, as well as suspending administrative claims by the PMA over other contested lands. Authored by Councilor Peter Fianza and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory
Representative (IPMR) Maximo Edwin Jr., the resolution directs that a status quo be maintained in response to allegations of harassment from long-time residents, occupants, and ancestral land claimants.

These individuals have voiced strong objections to actions taken against them by the PMA. The resolution cites Section 5.II.d of Republic Act No. 11201 or the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act which provides for a framework for the administration of government-owned lands that have not been used for their original purpose for at least ten years. According to the resolution, the lands within military reservations that are under dispute might fall under this framework, especially if they are suitable for urban development. Executive Order No. 34- 2023 is also cited which directs a detailed inventory of available government lands for housing purposes, specifically for the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

The City Council, through requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) to suspend the processing of special patent applications over the disputed lands within these military reservations until the issues are resolved, ensuring that no complications arise during the dispute. The resolution arose from the citizens’ forum held on April 7, 2025, where land claimants appealed to the city council for assistance in resolving their long-standing dispute with PMA authorities over the land. A meeting is scheduled on April 14, 2025 between the City Mayor’s Office and the Department of National Defense to address issues related to land disputes within these military reservations.

Jordan G. Habbiling/SP