Aloguinsan execs defend water facility closure

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of Aloguinsan town in southern Cebu have denied allegations of “water terrorism” following the closure of a barangay-managed water system in Angilan.

Residents in Barangay Angilan also said that Mayor Cynthia Moreno and husband, Vice Mayor Augustus Caesar Moreno, have nothing to do with the halt to the operation of the water system.

Vice Mayor Moreno said it’s the decision of the barangay officials if they no longer want to operate the water system because the municipality is the one supplying the water.

Angilan Barangay Captain Lorenzo Mainit has told reporters that aside from the broken water pump, there are also legal concerns that prodded them to stop the operation.

Mainit said that when he assumed office on December 1, 2013, the water system has incurred around P26,000 of electric bills, prompting the Cebu Electric Cooperative to cut the power supply.

Much as he would want to pay the pending expenses, Mainit said he cannot justify the payment because the billing is under Angilan Basketball Court 2.

He also cited the lack of written authorization to continue sourcing the water from an open well owned by Felix Patatag who reportedly has not allowed anymore the sourcing of water from his well and laying of pipes through his property.

But this was denied by Patatag. “Wa ko nagdili sa tubig, nalipay ko nga naggamit ang makina para makaabot sa layo,” he stated.

An emotional Patatag lamented why for six years now, the water system became illegal when the municipal water system also sources out from a private lot of Juliano Lauza in the same barangay.

Former barangay councilman Teopisto Manguilimutan Jr., who earlier brought the issue to Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, said it’s not true that the water pump was broken.

He questioned why Mainit removed the GI pipes, panel board, control box and other materials when only the pump has to be fixed.

With the pronouncement of Patatag, Mainit said they will invite him to a barangay session and find out what is his condition for the continued used of his well.

Manguilimutan is also hoping that the water system will be restored so as to keep children away from danger when they fetch water from an open well.

Vice Mayor Moreno is set to appear before the PB pre-caucus session on Monday to shed light on the matter. —/ATO (FREEMAN)