By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City Engineer’s Office (CEO) initiated the demolition of an illegal floodwall built by a salt storage facility in Barangay Banago following the establishment’s failure to comply with the voluntary demolition order.
Mayor Greg Gasataya witnessed the demolition of the structure at Artemis Salt Corporation yesterday, backed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office.
The decisive move will curb worsening flooding in parts of Barangay Banago.
The floodwall — built without a proper fencing permit — was found to obstruct a critical drainage line and worsen flooding in nearby Sta. Clara Subdivision and surrounding areas.
“We have to remove structures that block our drainage systems, especially during the rainy season,” Gasataya said, emphasizing the city’s commitment to flood mitigation.
City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu issued a 72-hour abatement order against Artemis on Saturday, July 26.
CEO officer-in-charge, Engineer Loben Ceballos, noted that additional clogged drainage lines outside the salt facility are now under investigation.
“Ongoing clearing operations are needed to help ease flooding in nearby communities,” Ceballos said.
Notice of suspension
Meanwhile, Artemis Salt Corporation faces further regulatory scrutiny after the Office of the Building Official (OBO) issued a notice of suspension on its ongoing salt warehouse construction despite having a building permit.
OBO head Engineer Amy Tentia said she signed the notice on Monday, July 28, stating that the suspension is due to the owner’s non-compliance with the National Building Code of the Philippines.
Tentia said OBO found errors in the construction plans and specifications; failure to incorporate the minimum requirements prescribed under applicable laws, such as accessibility standards, environmental clearance or setback regulations, as fencing is already implemented encroaching on the existing public sidewalk; incorrect or inaccurate data and information provided; and the documentation submitted for the building permit application contains inaccurate or misleading data, such as erroneous lot dimensions, ownership details, location plans, or supporting calculations.
Tentia said these inaccuracies undermine the integrity of the permitting process and hinder the proper assessment of the application’s compliance with the code.
“These violations constitute a breach of the conditions under which the building permit was issued,” Tentia said.
She advised that Artemis’ failure to respond within three days from receipt of the notice may result in the continuation or escalation of the suspension and other legal consequences under existing laws and regulations./CJ, WDJ