The Cebu City Government has launched an investigation into reported fences that obstructed access and were blamed for delaying firefighter operations during a fire in Barangay Tejero on the night of Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival revealed that he personally witnessed the difficulty in extinguishing the fire due to structures built within narrow pathways, including fences placed on top of gutters along the road. One firefighter was injured after stepping on a nail from a fence installed in the area.
A major concern raised by the mayor is the fence built on the gutter, which he described as public property. Archival said he has already directed the City Legal Office and the Department of Public Works and Urban Development (DWUP) to inspect the area to determine who constructed the fence and whether it violates public right-of-way rules.
He also ordered the City Assessor's Office to verify the actual land ownership in the area, amid reports that some portions may have been sold to private individuals. The mayor noted that several structures visible from the roadside are owned by private individuals.
Potential Solutions
"We just want to know that if the land belongs to the government, the best thing we could do is try to develop it or build mid-rise buildings (MRBs)," Archival said. However, he clarified that if the land is private, the city will seek cooperation from the owners to establish a right-of-way.
At least 75 houses were burned or damaged in the fire that broke out in Sitio Silangan, Barangay Tejero on May 16. An estimated 300 individuals lost their homes.
Investigation Underway
An investigation has been initiated to determine the fire's origin and the fences that delayed firefighters' response. Initial reports from authorities indicate that 65 houses were completely burned, while 10 were partially damaged. The fire damage is estimated at PHP 2.25 million.
