Aloguinsan execs agree to end water conflict

CEBU, Philippines - Officials and residents of Barangay Angilan, Aloguinsan have agreed to resolve their conflict amidst the allegations of “water terrorism” during the dialogue initiated by Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez.

Aloguinsan Vice Mayor Augustus Caesar Moreno and Angilan Barangay Captain Lorenzo Mainit appeared before the Office of the Vice Governor during the dialogue with the complainants.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, PB Members Sanchez, Alex Binghay, and Celestino “Tining” Martinez III have promised to give financial assistance for the repair of the water system’s submersible pump following the claims of the officials that the engine was broken.

However, the resumption of the operation of the water system sourced from a privately-owned open well will depend on the lot owner, Felix Patatag.

Patatag earlier denied reports that he is not allowing anymore the use of his open well as the source of the water system. But Mainit yesterday showed minutes of a barangay session stating the refusal of Patatag to continue the use of his open well and the laying of pipes in his property.

Sanchez said that an agreement shall be entered into between the owner and the barangay officials for the use of the property through a usufruct contract. Sanchez considered the problem good as solved after the dialogue.

In yesterday’s regular session, the PB also passed the resolution sponsored by Sanchez encouraging the municipal and barangay officials, residents of Barangays Angilan, Boho, Kantabogon, Sacsac, and Kawasan to pursue a sincere and open dialogue over the water problem with the end in view of restoring the water supply.

Residents of said barangays were reportedly affected by the conflict in Angilan being the source of the water supply.

“Conflicts and disputes can be best won not in courts nor in the battlefields but in the hearts of men of goodwill through honest and peaceful dialogue,” Sanchez said.

Moreno is hoping Sanchez would extend financial assistance in Aloguinsan town even if they are not her political ally.

Moreno and wife, Mayor Cynthia Moreno, belong to One Cebu Party while Sanchez belongs to Liberal Party. —/FPL (FREEMAN)