BACOLOD City – Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against a private firm, Neo Food Corporation, directing it to stop the construction of a fence that extends into a creek, obstructing water flow and contributing to flooding in surrounding areas.
The CDO, dated November 27, was served to the company the same day following an inspection report from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) regarding the ongoing construction at Purok Santol, Barangay 20.
According to the inspection, the fence was being built directly on the creek bed and within the required easement area along its banks, blocking the waterway and disrupting its natural flow. This constitutes an illegal occupation and unauthorized improvement within a legal easement zone.
Mayor Gasataya said the construction was carried out without the necessary building permit and in an area where such development is prohibited due to its encroachment on a natural watercourse and the legal easement.
“These acts are clear violations of the Water Code of the Philippines, the National Building Code and its implementing rules and regulations, as well as applicable local ordinances on waterways, environmental protection, zoning, and public safety,” the mayor stressed.
The CDO also directs the company to immediately remove—at its own expense—all structures, fences, and improvements illegally built on or within the creek and its easement, and to restore the affected area to a safe and unobstructed condition as required by the OBO and other concerned offices.
The OBO and Barangay 20 officials have been authorized to monitor compliance, inspect progress, and recommend any additional measures necessary to clear and protect the creek and its easement.
Mayor Gasataya said the company voluntarily began demolishing the structure at around 8 a.m. on November 28./PN
