CEBU CITY, April 26 -- The Task Force Gubat sa Baha (War on Flooding) has served the final notice to 34 Cebu City establishments to demolish their structures encroaching on the riverbanks.

Retired military official Melquiades Feliciano, chief implementer of the task force, said Thursday that recovering riverbanks illegally occupied by these establishments is part of the city government's efforts to address flooding.

Feliciano said so far, only a restaurant chain owner voluntarily demolished its commissary.

Under the Water Code of the Philippines, riverbanks, streams, and other bodies of water must have a 3-meter easement in urban areas.

The code also states that the owner of the lower estate cannot contract works that impede the natur...