Bacolod City Takes Action Against Illegal Creek Encroachment
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has taken decisive action against Neo Food Corporation by issuing an immediate cease and desist order for allegedly constructing illegal fences that encroach upon a vital waterway. The enforcement occurred on Thursday, November 28, 2025, following an on-site inspection at Purok Santol in Barangay 20.
City Officials Conduct Joint Inspection
Mayor Gasataya personally led the inspection team that included several key city officials. City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, City Engineer's Office OIC Engr. Loben Rafael Ceballos, Office of the Building Official OIC Engr. Amy Tentia, and Barangay 20 Captain Mark Abancio all participated in serving the legal order to the corporation.
The inspection revealed alarming findings about the construction project. The fence extended directly into the creek, significantly obstructing water flow and contributing to increased flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. According to city authorities, the construction lacked the necessary fencing permit from the Office of the Building Official, making the structure completely unauthorized.
Multiple Environmental Violations Identified
Mayor Gasataya emphasized the seriousness of the violation, stating that this was not a minor infraction but rather an illegal seizure of public property. The construction directly violates the Water Code of the Philippines, which specifically designates creek banks for public use and prohibits permanent structures that block natural waterways.
The illegal structure also encroaches into the mandated three-meter public easement zone that protects waterways from such obstructions. Drone imagery captured by city officials showed that nearly half of the creek had been occupied by the unauthorized construction, creating a significant environmental hazard.
In a particularly concerning development, Gasataya revealed that the contractor was on the verge of demolishing a critical flood wall when city authorities intervened, potentially creating an even more dangerous situation for residents.
Immediate Actions and Consequences
The cease and desist order mandates that Neo Food Corporation must immediately stop all construction activities. The company is required to remove all illegal fences and structures at its own expense and restore the creek to ensure unobstructed water flow and public safety.
The corporation has been given a non-extendible 72-hour period from receipt of the order to submit a written explanation as to why administrative, civil, and criminal charges should not be filed against its management.
Barangay Captain Mark Abancio expressed gratitude for the city government's swift response, noting that flooding in adjacent areas including Purok Tisa and Purok Avocado had worsened since construction of the illegal structure began. His comments came just days after Tropical Depression "Verbena" caused flooding in 33 of Bacolod City's 61 barangays, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining clear waterways.
The mayor concluded by reaffirming the city's commitment to environmental protection, stating that Bacolod will remain vigilant against illegal structures that compromise environmental laws and resident safety.
