Structures ordered demolished

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With informal settlers requested to vacate the area near a riverbank beside the San Antonio Abad Parish Church, located along Lacson Extension in Barangay Taculing, since 2013, the Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) proceeded with demolition orders yesterday morning.

According to a document signed by City Legal Officer, Atty. Rueben Mikhail Sabig, around 25 informal settlers were affected.

The area had been tagged as a “danger zone” due to frequent flooding and is expected to be part of a road widening project.

Alongside the CLO, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office, and Bacolod City Police Office anti-riot team participated in enforcing the demolition order.

With regard to relocation for the displaced settlers, Assistant City Engineer Ephraim Hechanova said the city government has provided a relocation package. However, despite multiple reminders, the city official affirmed a majority only recently applied for the program.

One particular informal settler, a certain Mercidita Arroyo, claims she appealed for the city government to delay the demolition, despite it being five years since the initial order.

Arroyo said she is expecting financial assistance from the city government and demanded a meeting with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

The displaced settler, however, said she has already secured a lot at a Barangay Vista Alegre relocation site but said she needs “immediate financial assistance from the city.”/DGB, WDJ