The Department of Interior and Local Government on Monday said the Parañaque local government unit is on top of the controversial Baloc-Baloc Creek.
DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan told the DAILY TRIBUNE that they are looking into the alleged issuance by Parañaque City Government of Building Permit for the structures along or on top of Baloc-Baloc Creek Parañaque City, which reportedly violated the easement policy and caused flooding incidents in nearby subdivisions. "A team from our Department is closely coordinating with the City Government on this issue, particularly with the City Building Official and City Engineering office," he said.
"Our DILG NCR Office issued a Memorandum last December 28, 2023 on the matter for the City Government's official reply," Iringan said.
The Parañaque LGU on the other hand updated DILG that the City Government, "has not issued any building permit to Ms. Mappalo, who allegedly has a structure violating the easement of the creek."
Further, the Parañaque LGU maintained that the issuance of Building Permits to applicants is always subject to a stringent review process by the City Building Official to ensure compliance with the requirements of the National Building Code.
"As for the alleged titling into private property of portion of Baloc-Baloc Creek and the alleged sale of the lots affected, the City Government is coordinating with concerned government agencies for the onsite and technical survey of the subject area particularly in determining the easement of the creek," Iringan quoted the LGU.
He added that the flooding along the Baloc-Baloc Creek, according to the LGU, based on the investigation conducted by the Parañaque City Environment and Natural Resources was "caused by the cemented debris from a construction project, which impeded the free flow of waste water coming from upstream."
The DILG is expecting a more comprehensive report from the City Government to further clarify the issue, Iringan said.