By CESAR JOLITO III
A 72-hour ultimatum was issued to a salt storage facility to remove its unauthorized floodwall structure obstructing a key drainage system near the establishment in Bacolod City’s Barangay Banago.
The Bacolod City Legal Office’s (CLO) Enforcement Team and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) issued the removal order against Artemis Salt Corporation following their joint inspection conducted on Saturday, July 26.
“We have issued a clear directive to voluntarily demolish the illegal structure. Non-compliance will lead to legal proceedings,” CLO head Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu said.
“Legal consequences will follow if the company fails to comply within the 72-hour window,” he added.
Authorities found the structure to be illegally built and directly contributing to the inundation of nearby areas, including Sta. Clara Subdivision in Banago and neighboring villages.
They said that dismantling the obstruction will allow floodwaters to flow freely into the sea, significantly easing the impact of heavy rains in the area.
Mayor Greg Gasataya directed CLO to take immediate action following complaints from residents and flood assessments that pointed to the blockage.
“We are improving the water flow, but until everyone takes responsibility for waste disposal, our drainage system will continue to suffer,” Gasataya said.
‘Win-win measure’
Artemis Salt Corporation, through Consultant Engineer Marcelo Cobrador, confirmed receipt of the order and signaled their willingness to comply.
Cobrador clarified that the structure — a low concrete barrier approximately one meter long and six centimeters high — was originally constructed to block seawater from backflowing into the drainage during high tides.
“It was intended as a win-win measure to protect the facility and the community from saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels,” Cobrador explained.
Despite the explanation, city officials stressed that such structures must not impede drainage systems, especially in flood-prone zones.
CEO officer-in-charge, Engineer Loben Ceballos and Retired Police Colonel Levy Pangue, who led the enforcement team, underscored the importance of immediate action to avoid further complications during the rainy season.
A follow-up meeting between the CLO and Artemis is scheduled for Monday, July 28, to confirm the company’s compliance and plan for any necessary remediation.
City officials say the demolition of the floodwall could mark a turning point in Bacolod’s ongoing efforts to mitigate urban flooding and uphold environmental regulations./CJ, WDJ