Reeling from the aftermath of tropical cyclones that hit the Visayas in November 2025, residents in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City demanded the tearing down of the riprap at a creek.

Residents said that the riprap is one of the causes of flooding in the area.

“Lumiko dito ang tubig. Dahil walang labasan ang tubig dito, pumunta sa amin kaya bumaha,” a resident named “Kato” said.

"Kaming mga mahihirap, babahain talaga kami dahil wala naman kaming kakayahan na magpapader sa aming bahay dahil mahirap kami,” Violeta, another resident, said.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bacolod City found out that the riprap was constructed because of a fencing permit issued reportedly by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) in 2024.

At least five OBO employees are suspected to be involved in the release of the said permit, according to the LGU.

A show cause order has been issued to the five employees.

“Ang kanilang participation sa paglabas ng fencing permit at why is it on behalf sa mga applicants, sila ang tumanggap dahil employees sila ng lungsod. They are not allowed na mag-process for or on behalf of any company or private individual,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.

Further, it was learned that the owner of the structure at the boundary of Villamonte and Mandalagan sought a permit from Barangay Villamonte Council in April 2024, but was denied.

“Malaki ang possibility na maka-create ng problema kung malakas ang ulan at tumaas ang tubig. That is why idinefer [defer] natin ang pagbigay ng endorsement for the fencing permit,” Barangay Villamonte Chairman Rommel Flores said.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried to seek a comment from the employees, but they did not accommodate the news team.

The person responsible for the construction of the riprap did not also issue a statement.

The LGU has ordered the owner of the structure to have the obstruction torn down immediately.

The LGU also looks into probable penalties against the owner of the structure.