By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

At least 15 illegal structures occupying portions of Palanca Road in Bacolod City’s Barangay 16 were removed by the enforcement team of the Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) yesterday.

CLO’s enforcement team leader Levy Pangue said the clearing operation was conducted with the assistance of the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD).

Pangue said the team removed structures and debris obstructing the roads.

Aside from the CLO and BTTMD, the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office also assisted in the clearing operation.

He added that permanent structures occupying the roads will also be removed on Friday, July 3.

Pangue emphasized that before this week ends, all illegal structures in Barangay 6 will have been removed.

He added that the affected residents had agreed to voluntarily remove their illegal structures in the area.

Pangue noted that the clearing operation was carried out in line with the directive of Mayor Greg Gasataya to strictly enforce the city’s ordinances, including those against illegal structures in various areas.

The CLO also urged barangay officials to monitor their respective areas of jurisdiction and address illegal structures obstructing public roads./MAP, WDJ