As informal settlers in Bacolod City were already given a chance in December 2025, the demolition on January 15, 2026 proceeded.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) pursued the demolition of at least 30 houses along Mambuloc Creek, that are part of Purok Balinday, Barangay Dos, Bacolod City, deemed to be illegal structures.

However, some residents are upset, citing they are not prepared to move to the relocation site.

“Ang hiling sana namin, kahit may matulugan lang kasi wala talaga. Masama pa nga ang pakiramdam ng mga anak ko,” Mary Anne Veñales, a resident, said.

“Sana ang kalahati lang muna para may matulugan kami sa gabi kasi hindi naman pwedeng madaliin ang paglipat doon,” Rodely Duran, another resident, said.

However, the Bacolod City Legal Office stood by its decision to demolish the illegal structures after the leeway given in December 2025.

“Napag-usapan na namin ito. Noong December, na-extend pa nga in the spirit of Christmas,” according to Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, Bacolod City Legal Officer.

The Bacolod Housing Authority, however, said that only 20 of 27 affected families passed the assessment. Only the 20 families are eligible to receive P10,000 financial assistance and a lot at the relocation site.

The other seven families failed to present a Certificate of Residency and that the others were listed previously but insisted to stay in the area.

When GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas checked the relocation site, tall grasses have overtaken the area. The markers that divide the 64-square-meter lot for each beneficiary are already obscured.

Leonard Oro, a resident, said he does not have the money yet to build a house.

"Wala kaming matutuluyan. Ubos talaga kami. Mag-adjust talaga kami, kakayanin. Wala tayong magagawa,” Oro said.

According to the Bacolod Housing Authority, it is the responsibility of the beneficiaries to take charge of the lot provided to them and the cost of building of their houses. 

“Dapat ang materials na (mula) sa dinemolish, dalhin na doon sa ipapatayong bahay. Nakausap ko na sila kung ano ang gagawin,” Ma. Victoria Parreñas, head of the Bacolod Housing Authority, said.

According to the LGU, the beneficiaries will be given the opportunity to settle payment for the lot in a staggered basis.