• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a formal demand for P4.6 million from the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse on Thursday, the operator of the city’s abattoir, to settle outstanding rental payments.
In a letter sent to the company, Gasataya noted the debt covers 36 months of unpaid rent, from January 16, 2022 to January 15, 2025.
The current monthly rental fee for the facility is P129,883.05.
“We just want to be fair with all business establishments in the city,” Gasataya said.
He added that the city has “necessary and appropriate measures” if the company fails to comply and that this is more than just a warning.
“We demand them to settle their obligations with the city,” the mayor said.
The demand comes after the Bacolod City Council called for a fact-finding investigation into the abattoir, following complaints on its services, facility upgrades, and rental delinquencies.
AVM Bernardo Engineering Services has been operating the abattoir in Barangay Handumanan since 2000, under a contract with the local government that expires in 2028.*
