The Dagupan City government has begun demolishing illegal structures built on government-owned land in Barangay Bonuan Binloc, following repeated warnings to occupants.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the structures were put up without permits on land covered by Proclamation No. 98, which designates the area as protected government property.

“Matagal na po naming binabawal ‘yan. However, recently, may malakas ang loob na umaangkin sa lupa ng government na nagtatayo ng walang permit,” Fernandez said.

Initial inspection showed that some of the structures were still under construction, with concrete posts already in place. Days later, demolition started in the area.

One of the workers involved in building the structures said they were aware the land does not belong to private individuals.

“Eh wala namang papel ‘yan, di naman binebenta ‘yan kasi may-ari naman ng gobyerno ‘yan… kaya wala akong pakialam diyan basta sinisira namin,” Buboy De Vera, who is now part of the demolition team, said.

Barangay officials said they have warned those building in the area repeatedly but enforcement has been a challenge.

“Isang problema namin na hindi talaga namin makontrol ‘yung pagpapatayo nila. Kailangan din namin talaga ang tulong ng engineering,” Barangay Chairman Wilmer Castañares said.

The city government urged residents to report any ongoing illegal construction on government property to prevent similar incidents.

“Kapag mayroon silang nakikita na mga illegal structures na tinatayo sa mga government property, they should call our attention, hindi ‘yung pinapabayaan lang sila,” Fernandez added.

The owners of the demolished structures are yet to release a statement as of press time.