CBAO files criminal case against Igorot Stone Kingdom owners

The city government through City Buildings and Architecture Officer Architect Johny Degay filed four counts of criminal case against the owners of the amusement park – Igorot Stone Kingdom located along Longlong Road, Pinsao Proper.

The CBAO filed the complaint against owners Pio Velasco and Hajji Velasco before the Office of the City Prosecutor on November 8, 2022 for constructing the Stone Kingdom without the requisite building or fencing permits which is in violation of Section 301 in relation to Section 213 of Presidential Decree 1096.

In his affidavit, Degay said respondents continue with their construction activities despite the directives to cease and desist from CBAO.

Several ocular site inspections and investigations have been conducted by personnel of the CBAO led by Engr. Maxwell Matitiw since June, August, September and October this year flagging violations of PD 1096 but construction works proceeded despite warnings.

Ocular investigations revealed that the amusement park was built with grouted stone riprap terraces; an unfinished four-storey building with roof deck made up of reinforced concrete and concrete hollow blocks; a drainage and steel bridge; stone domes with varying sizes with interior finishes made of stones with no support aside from cement grouts to prevent the stones from detaching.

CBAO investigation also revealed a 20 meters tunnel named ‘Stone Mine’ approximately two meters wide by two meters high with no support system to prevent the ceiling and the cave-ins from collapsing which poses danger to visitors.

While parking is provided at the frontage of the property, the CBAO said this is not sufficient due to the high volume of vehicles.

The amusement park – which operations were closed November 8 for safety precautions, is located within a 7,000 square meter untitled property. – PIO BAGUIO