IT’S time for Sevilla to take harsh action against Balilihan town over the water source row that is going on for a while now.
Sevilla authorities led by Mayor Juliet Dano have dismantled last week all pipes and other structure that are allegedly illegally constructed in Bugwak Spring without their consent in a bid to protect the rights of Sevilla town.
The main basis of Sevilla’s drastic move is the approved Sevilla Resolution No. 2023-110. It authorized the mayor “to absolutely and permanently remove all pipes and structures illegally constructed by unknown individual/entity at Bugwak Spring, Magsaysay, Sevilla, Bohol after disclosure by regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as confirmed by Bohol DPWH Engineering I that those pipes and other structures are not part of the plan/contract and/or program of works in relation to their project of construction of water supply system in Balilihan, Bohol.”
The said dismantling of the structures that siphon spring water to Balilihan comes at a time when the town is celebrating its annual fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on July 16, 2023.
Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto issued a statement on this score, saying that the town will support legal actions the DPWH and the contractor would take.
“We in Balilihan, being recipients of this project, shall support whatever legal actions DPWH and the contractor may undertake to those involved in the dismantling of the water intake structures, the removal of the submersible pump, the cutting of the electrical cables without legal basis.”
She said in her facebook post as a reaction to the Sevilla’s action that Sevilla’s statement quoting DPWH that the structures attached to the spring is “misleading.” “Nevertheless, we await DPWH’s clarification of the matter.”
She hastened to say, “We appeal for sobriety among our people. We will endeavor to settle things through judicious means with respect for the rule of law.”
Sevilla claimed that despite its request for Balilihan to remove the structures from the spring for it had no prior consent of the former, “they (Balilihan) remain to be deaf and numb with our request and plea.”
“It is the legal duty and solemn obligation to protect the interests, rights, authorities and privileges of LGU Sevilla over Bugwak Spring against its illegal intruders, violators and usurpers,” the Resolution, sponsored by Kagawad Ma. Corazon O. Gumanit, and co-sponsored by Kagawads Camilo L. Lagrosa and Beverly R. Beniga, said.
The Resolution is certified by municipal secretary Mercedes A. Ocio and attested by Vice-Mayor Richard B. Bucag. (rvo)
