By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In an effort to provide a clearing for emergency vehicles to pass, a total of 11 homes at Purok Adarna, located in Bacolod City’s Barangay 16, were demolished after complaints were raised regarding the potential safety hazard. According to City Legal Office (CLO) enforcement team leader Dante Mendecillo, “These structures [were] the subject of a complaint by the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) and the former barangay captain because they caused obstructions during cases of emergency.”
In addition, the demolition team, which was comprised of elements from the CLO and the City Engineer’s Office, also demolished a portion of a home in Purok King Fisher, located in the same barangay, as it occupied a segment of the road.
While the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) provided the displaced families with the means to transfer their belongings to a relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod Housing Authority head Faith Joy Lumawag said, of the 10 families eligible for relocation, eight have completed all requirements.
She added, “They were already provided lots on July 15.”
Earlier, over 20 structures in Barangay 16 were  demolished during a clearing operation conducted by the DPWH and CLO./DGB, WDJ