Bacolod continues crackdown on illegal creek structures

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The city government has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures encroaching on waterways as part of its sweeping efforts under Executive Order No. 64, or the Government Rehabilitation Initiative for Floodways, Outfalls, and Waterways (G-FLOW).

A notice to vacate was earlier issued to 27 residents of Purok Balinday, Barangay 2, whose houses were found built directly over the Mambuloc Creek last October.

The structures not only posed imminent danger to the occupants but also obstructed the natural flow of water, worsening flooding during heavy rains.

City officials said they are now in the final stages of coordinating with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) for the relocation of the affected families and the provision of appropriate assistance.

“This is not just about enforcing regulations—it’s about ensuring a smooth, humane, and orderly transition to a safer and more dignified living environment,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.

On Nov. 28, another illegal structure was discovered along Sulom Creek in Barangay Villamonte after reports surfaced that the waterway had become shallow and constricted due to unauthorized construction.

The obstruction hindered water flow, heightening risks for families living nearby.

A cease-and-desist order has since been served to the private property owner who built illegal fencing within the creek easement.

The owner was ordered to immediately stop construction and remove the structure at their own expense. They were also given 72 hours to explain why criminal charges should not be filed by the city government.

In a separate enforcement action, Gasataya ordered the immediate cessation and removal of an illegal fence constructed inside a creek in Purok Santol, Barangay 20.

The structure, built without a permit by Neo Food Corporation, occupied nearly half of the waterway and significantly contributed to upstream flooding.

A cease-and-desist order was issued Wednesday, prompting the property owner to begin voluntarily demolishing the fence by Friday morning.

The City Engineer’s Office deployed its team to ensure the proper removal of sand, concrete, and other obstructions to restore water flow.

During the inspection, officials confirmed multiple violations, including the Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067), the National Building Code (PD 1096), and the mandatory three-meter easement rule.

Authorities also intervened when workers were reportedly preparing to demolish a section of the city’s flood wall.

The mayor again called for public cooperation, reminding residents not to build structures along creeks, rivers, and drainage easements.

“It is not only you who will be affected—every Bacolodnon suffers when waterways are blocked,” he said.

The crackdown forms part of Bacolod’s aggressive, long-term strategy to rehabilitate its waterways following recent severe flooding incidents across the city.