By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A total of 18 illegal structures were removed along Bacolod City’s North Capitol Road during a joint operation by the City Legal Office Enforcement Team and Negros Occidental’s Security Division yesterday morning.

Renelo Lastierre, head of the Capitol Safety and Security Division, said based on the request of the provincial government, the structures were removed as they were obstructing traffic in the area.

“Indirectly, apektado ang Capitol because ang vendors ara gid sa aton properties,” Lastierre said.

He said most of the vendors were well aware that they would be removed from the area soon.

During the demolition, most of the owners have voluntarily removed their structures, while some have voiced their opposition.

The enforcement team assisted the vendors with transferring their belongings, while securing the area to prevent the vendors from returning.

The roadside accommodated several eateries, coffee shops and sari-sari stores.

Part of the road was also being used illegally as parking spots for motorcycles, and Lastierre noted that they are causing a nuisance to both people and traffic as they are unable to use the sidewalk./DGB, WDJ