Bacolod mayor halts creek fence; owner begins demolition

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the immediate cessation and removal of an illegal fence built inside a creek in Purok Santol, Barangay 20, after confirming it was constructed without a permit and posed significant risks to surrounding communities.

A Cease and Desist Order (CDO) was issued Wednesday against Neo Food Corporation, whose structure occupied nearly half of the waterway, blocking the natural flow of the creek and contributing to flooding in nearby areas.

On Friday morning, the property owner began voluntarily demolishing the structure following the city government’s directive.

The City Engineer’s Office deployed a team to oversee the removal of sand, concrete, and other obstructions to restore proper water flow along the creek.

During the inspection, officials confirmed that the fence violated several laws, including the Water Code of the Philippines (PD No. 1067), the National Building Code (PD No. 1096), and the mandatory three-meter easement rule.

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

Drone footage showed the structure significantly encroaching into the waterway.

“The city remains vigilant and will not tolerate illegal structures that compromise environmental laws and the safety of Bacolod residents,” Gasataya said.

Barangay 20 Captain Mark Abancio thanked the mayor for acting swiftly, noting that flooding in Purok Santol, Purok Tisa, and Purok Avocado worsened after construction began.

The CDO mandates the company to stop all construction activities, dismantle the illegal fence at its own expense, restore the creek to its original condition, and submit a written explanation within 72 hours under a Show Cause Order.

Failure to comply may result in administrative, civil, and criminal charges for illegal occupation of public property.

In parallel with enforcement efforts, the city also intensified pruning, declogging, and flushing operations in flood-prone areas, particularly in Barangay Mandalagan, following the effects of Tropical Depression Verbena.

Teams from the City Engineer’s Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office were deployed.

House-to-house relief operations continued through the Department of Social Services and Development–Bacolod and the City Mayor’s Office.

Gasataya reiterated that ensuring safe waterways, preventing flooding, and protecting communities remain top priorities of the city government.