THE Artemis Salt Corporation in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City was given 72 hours by the City Legal Office (CLO) to remove the illegal structure obstructing a drainage outfall within its facility in the village.
The CLO Enforcement Team, in coordination with the City Engineer’s Office, served the abatement and removal order against Artemis Salt Corporation located in Barangay Banago on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier inspected the area and cited the structure's contribution to flooding in Sta. Clara Subdivision and nearby areas.
The mayor immediately directed City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu to issue an abatement and removal order.
Gasataya believes that removing the structure will significantly alleviate flooding in low-lying areas by allowing floodwaters to flow directly to the sea.
For his part, Chiu said that failure to comply within 72 hours will result in legal action.
“We ordered the management to voluntarily demolish the illegal structure within 72 hours, or else legal action will be pursued for non-compliance,” he said.
He added that the demolition of the structure will be a significant step in addressing the persistent flood problems affecting nearby communities.
The City Legal Office is set to meet with Artemis Salt Corp’s management on Monday, July 28, to assess their compliance with the order.
Moreover, Artemis Salt Corporation, represented by consultant Engineer Marcelo Cobrador, has committed to complying with the order.
Cobrador said the structure, approximately one meter long and 0.06 meters tall, was intended as a makeshift floodwall to prevent seawater intrusion during high tide.
He said it was meant to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels on both the facility and surrounding communities.
“It was a win-win solution to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels that could potentially damage both the facility and the surrounding communities,” Cobrador said. (MAP)