BAGUIO CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Friday has acknowledged the strong coordination among different government entities, from national government agencies to local government units, as key to the seamless and peaceful recovery of the Camp John Hay property in Baguio City.

BCDA chairperson Hilario B. Paredes said the whole-of-government approach ensured the swift and smooth conduct of recovery efforts in Camp John Hay last Monday as he also expressed his gratitude to all persons and parties who helped during the operation.

“I am elated and grateful that the recovery of Camp John Hay was lightning quick and very peaceful, with very minimal or almost no disruption to businesses and their employees and guests,” Paredes said.

“It was a very successful undertaking despite the very complicated nature of taking over control and possession of a 247-hectare property,” he added.

Paredes also attributed the success mainly to the dedicated and hardworking men and women of the BCDA and the John Hay Management Corporation.

He also expressed gratitude to the Baguio City Regional Trial Court sheriffs, whom he said did their job professionally and fairly, and the leadership and personnel of the Philippine National Police Cordillera Administrative Region and Baguio City for ensuring peace and security during the entire exercise.

“This is indeed a huge victory for the government and the Filipino people, a historic achievement and enduring legacy of everyone who made this a reality,” Paredes said.

The BCDA was able to regain control of Camp John Hay in line with the 22 October 2024, Supreme Court resolution which allowed the state-run firm to recover the 247-hectare property.

In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried out by the court sheriff.