BAGUIO CITY — A resident of West Modernsite in Aurora Hill, Baguio City is raising urgent concerns over structural safety and regulatory enforcement after excavation work for a neighboring construction project allegedly triggered a second major ground collapse on the property.

The latest collapse occurred Sunday amid heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, which had drenched the city for weeks.

Alexandra C. Patawaran, owner of the affected house, said the problems began when initial excavation work on the neighboring property caused a pathway and a portion of a wall on their land to collapse.

The builders were fined P10,000 for constructing without a permit. A building permit was later issued, allowing construction to resume.

Patawaran maintained that their property is not located in a landslide-prone area and attributed the structural damage to the neighboring excavation and ongoing construction.

She said she and other concerned parties had visited the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) to request the suspension of the building permit until the existing damage could be resolved through legal channels. Despite the request, construction continued, she said.

A subsequent excavation was left exposed to heavy rainfall, resulting in water saturation and ground displacement that preceded the latest structural collapse, according to Patawaran.

The continuing ground movement has also caused new cracks to develop throughout the property, prompting authorities to order the emergency evacuation of 27 occupants as a precaution against possible injuries or loss of life.

The incident has also placed a significant financial burden on Patawaran, who cited damage to the property, losses involving tenants and business opportunities, and mounting repair costs.

Patawaran also questioned the adequacy of the CBAO's oversight of the construction project. She said building permits should ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent construction activities from placing neighboring properties at unreasonable risk.

She is calling on city authorities to immediately intervene, conduct a structural safety assessment, and strictly enforce building regulations to prevent further damage and protect residents in the area.