PCG: PPA OWNS THE PROPERTY WHERE THE LIGHTHOUSE WAS SITUATED
CITY ENGINEERING OFFICE: THE DEMOLITION OF LIGHT STATION HAS NO PERMIT, THE CONSTRUCTION OF MARINA REGIONAL OFFICE BUILDING HAS NO APPROVE PERMIT
We have no power to hold demolition because the property where it was erected was owned by PPA, Commander Lawrence Roque of Philippine Coast said in a radio interview this morning by a blocktime radio program at RPN DXKS anchored by Manuel Kong.
The lighthouse constructed structure was built by Philippine Coast Guard and per record, the lighthouse operation started in 1966.
The demolition of light house was requested by MARINA to Philippine Coast Guard as the location will be affected by the 3-storey building to be constructed in a lot area donated by the Philippine Ports Authority, Roque added.
The request of demolishing the structure was not objected by Philippine Coast Guard as long as the light station will be placed at the roof top of the MARINA Building once the construction will be finished.
Roque clearly stated their office did not order to demolish the “parola.” The office of the DPWH facilitated the application of MARINA’s Regional Office Building Permit. The 2nd Engineering District is the implementing agency of the project.
But City Engineer Gil Rufino Menor said they learned of the demolition when Jun Clerigo of DXKS informed him that the “parola” was already demolished. Menor categorically stated that there is no demolition permit and the building permit application of MARINA Regional Office is not yet approve, it is still pending at their office.
“In the building code, this is the first case of demolition without demolition permit. We did not received a request for demolition permit. The structure has historical value, and it has to be cleared by the National Historical Commission,” Engr. Menor stressed.
Commander Lawrence Roque assured the public that their office is studying now the suggestion of reconstructing the “parola” in a strategic location at the port area. Roque apologized to all Surigaonons of what happened to the light station they owned and claimed by many that it has historical value.
