By John Rey Saavedra
CEBU CITY – The Task Force Gubat sa Baha (War on Flooding) has issued the final notice to 34 establishments in Cebu City, instructing them to dismantle structures encroaching on the riverbanks.
According to retired military official Melquiades Feliciano, the chief implementer of the task force, the removal of these structures from illegally occupied riverbanks forms part of the city government’s measures to mitigate flooding.
Feliciano noted that thus far, only one restaurant chain owner has voluntarily demolished its commissary.
In accordance with the Water Code of the Philippines, urban areas are required to maintain a 3-meter easement along riverbanks, streams, and other water bodies.
The code also states that the owner of the lower estate cannot contract works that impede the natural flow of the water.
Establishment owners were given notices to voluntarily destroy the structures encroaching on riverbanks, particularly the Estero de Parian, which overflows during heavy rains and inundates downtown Colon Street.
They were given the final orders Tuesday but Feliciano clarified that no abrupt demolition would happen.
“We will follow the proper procedure after the lapse of the 72-hour notice,” he said.
The task force will identify those who would not follow the order and coordinate with the Business Permit and Licensing Office, which will issue the cease and desist order.
The cease and desist order will also be implemented based on the legal opinion of the city’s Legal Office.
Estero de Parian is one of the oldest estuaries in the city covering the downtown’s historical villages of Sto. Niño, Tinago, Parian, and San Roque. (PNA)
