Feliciano: Easement violators cooperative

CEBU, Philippines — Almost all of the informal settlers have expressed willingness to relocate while many establishments along Estero de Parian have also responded positively and would voluntarily demolish their structures.

Out of 91 informal settlers, only one remains unwilling to relocate, Task Force Gubat sa Baha chief implementer Mel Feliciano told The Freeman.

As for the establishments that have violated the three-meter easement, Feliciano does not have the updated figures yet but many have allegedly responded positively to the 72-hour final notice the city government sent earlier.

One of the 34 establishments that the task force has tagged as violators has already complied with the order to voluntarily demolish its structure even before the final notice expired.

The City’s News and Information team reported that the Harbour City Dimsum House Co. Inc. demolished its old commissary last Tuesday. The company decided to demolish its commissary along Colon Street after its owner received the final notice.

Earlier, the restaurant owner, Raymond Kokseng, wrote to the task force to request for a grace period until June 2024 in order to allow his personnel to transfer to another location.

“We are amicable to the city government’s mandate in implementing the three-meter easement, but we request a period of up to June 2024 to comply with the city-wide directive,” Kokseng’s letter reads.

Last year, the management of The Freeman newspaper also cleared its perimeter fence after it was tagged for violating the easement zone. No immediate demolition of those who refused to heed the final notice, but the task force will recommend to the Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO) for the issuance of a cease and desist order against the non-compliant establishments.

Feliciano said he will also recommend to Mayor Michael Rama for the immediate closure of the establishments.

Rama had instructed Feliciano to proceed with the “long overdue” removal of structures and other obstructions of the waterways. The mayor wanted Feliciano and the river commanders to “roll the tanks” to ensure waterways will be unimpeded from upstream downwards, clearing water inlets and outlets, “mindful about the gravity, that water seeks its own level” especially that after the El Nino, flood is being anticipated. FPL (CEBU NEWS)