• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team is set to re-inspect various areas this week to address the resurgence of illegal structures in previously cleared zones.
CLO Enforcement Team head retired Police Colonel Levy Pangue said that they will return to the areas they cleared prior to 2026.
Pangue said they will return to the barangays 35 and 12, because obstructions have reappeared, as well as the structures in the creek in Purok Balinday, Brgy. 2.
Pangue clarified that the team is not singling out Barangay 16, as monitoring will extend to all barangays where illegal structures have returned.
This statement follows a formal notice issued to the barangay chairman of Barangay 16, mandating the removal of rebuilt obstructions.
Pangue said that the move is part of the city’s campaign against unauthorized construction on public property.
The city government is urging barangay leaders to cooperate with local regulations to avoid penalties as the team continues its city-wide monitoring.
Pangue emphasized that barangay officials may face administrative charges if they continue to disregard the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directives regarding the maintenance of cleared areas and road obstructions.
He urged for stronger cooperation from local leaders, noting that a lack of sustained effort is the primary reason why clearing operations must be repeatedly conducted.
Mayor Greg Gasataya previously reminded barangay officials that while the CLO conducts the initial cleanup, they are mandated by the DILG to take full responsibility for maintaining those areas and keeping public roads free of all obstructions.*
