OF THE 32 informal settler families (ISFs) in Barangay 2, Bacolod City, who were earlier given a notice to vacate, four of them refused to vacate the area, City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr., said Thursday, May 25.

Ting said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) still failed to continue their flood control project along Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2 after four of the ISFs refused to vacate the area.

Despite the city’s offer for a relocation site, he said the four ISFs did not cooperate with the city government.

“If they fail to remove their houses within 30 days, we have no choice but to demolish their houses,” he added.

On May 11, the CLO served the demand letter or notice to vacate to the 32 ISFs living along Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 2.

Ting said the affected residents were given 30 days to process their documents for their relocation site provided by the city government.

“If they refuse to vacate, the CLO will make a recommendation to the Local Housing Board for the demolition of their houses,” he said.

Before the issuance of the notices, he added that the affected families were already advised by the city government to process their documents for the relocation site.

Currently, the DPWH is implementing a flood control project along Mambuloc Creek so they need to clear the area, especially the residents living in the danger zone, Ting said.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez earlier said the city will provide P10,000 for their housing needs.

Aside from the city's financial assistance, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will also provide a separate financial assistance to the affected ISFs.*