The Bacolod City Government has taken decisive action against structures obstructing waterways, issuing evacuation notices to multiple families and cease orders against property owners in a comprehensive flood mitigation campaign.
Families Face Relocation from Mambuloc Creek
Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that at least 27 families in Purok Balinday, Barangay 2 received notices to vacate last week. These residents had constructed homes directly along Mambuloc Creek, creating both safety hazards and water flow problems.
Gasataya emphasized the dual risks posed by these structures. "Aside from being dangerous for them, this also affects the flow of water in the river, especially during calamities," the mayor stated during his announcement on November 30, 2025.
The city administration is currently finalizing coordination with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) to arrange proper relocation and assistance for the affected families. Gasataya assured that the process would prioritize humane treatment and orderly transition to safer living conditions.
Property Owners Face Legal Action for Creek Violations
In a related development on November 28, 2025, Mayor Gasataya issued a cease and desist order against a private property owner in Barangay Villamonte. The landowner had constructed an illegal concrete riprap structure along Sulom Creek, narrowing the waterway and increasing flood risks for nearby residents.
The property owner received a non-extendible 72-hour period to submit a written explanation and was directed to remove the obstructing fence immediately. Despite having a fencing permit dated May 28, 2024, multiple violations were discovered during inspection.
City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu expressed concern about the site's safety, noting that the land appeared loose and potentially landslide-prone, with residents living directly below the construction area.
Multiple Legal Violations Identified
The inspection revealed several serious violations, including:
- Encroachment on the creek's legal easement
- Obstruction of natural waterways violating Article 51 of Presidential Decree 1067
- Violations of the National Building Code and local ordinances
- Submission of inaccurate information in the permit application
- Failure to secure required certifications from CDRRMO, DPWH, and Barangay Villamonte
As a result, the fencing permit has been recommended for suspension or revocation due to procedural non-compliance and inaccurate data submission.
Barangay Officials Support Enforcement Actions
Barangay Villamonte Captain Rommel Flores confirmed that the barangay had previously conducted joint inspections with Barangay Mandalagan after residents raised concerns. "The 'pika-pika' (riprap) used to be wider when the project started compared to its current condition," Flores noted, indicating unauthorized expansions.
Flores emphasized that any creek alteration requires proper study before implementation, underscoring the importance of following established procedures for waterway projects.
In a separate action on the same day, city officials also issued a cease and desist order against a concrete fence construction along a creek in Barangay 20. This prompt action resulted in the property owner voluntarily demolishing the structure that was blocking water flow and contributing to area flooding.
The coordinated enforcement actions demonstrate Bacolod City's intensified campaign to clear waterways and address the persistent flood problems affecting various communities throughout the city.
