THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has sought the assistance of City Legal Office (CHO) to demolish the illegal structures along Lopez Jaena and AB Parreño Streets near the City Health Office (CHO) and the area in front of the STI - West Negros University.

Major Junji Liba, head of BTAO, said yesterday, November 15, that the CLO was tasked for the demolition of illegal structures, but they are also willing to assist them to remove the obstruction in said areas.

Liba said it has been observed that the illegal structures along Lopez Jaena and AB Parreño Streets including the vendors caused traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

“We will ask the assistance of the CLO to remove the illegal structures not only along Lopez Jaena, AB Parreño and Burgos streets, but also in some other areas with illegal structures occupying the roads,” he added.

The CLO earlier formed a task force composed by various departments of the local government.

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the City Council committee on laws, said the city government will continue the road clearing operations in various barangays following a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Road clearing operations started during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Espino said the administration of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez will continue the road clearing operations in various barangays.

“If the barangay fails to follow the road clearing within their areas of jurisdiction, they will also face the consequence at the DILG,” he said.*