The Bugwak Spring issue enters a new chapter

The issue related to the Bugwak Spring has entered into new chapters, with each chapter getting more interesting.

After the chance meeting of Balilihan mayor Pureza Chatto and Richli Water chairman Richard Lim on Nov. 27, 2021, the issue turned into a whole new twist.
On Dec. 2, 2021, the NWRB team from the National Water Resources Board led by Special Investigator Engr. Roy Requerme, conducted an ocular inspection on the site related to the petition of Richli Water to cancel the conditional water permit of local government unit (LGU) Balilihan.
The NWRB already dismissed Richli Water’s petition, but the latter filed a motion for reconsideration.

On Dec. 4, 2021, Lim called a press conference and explained the side of the water development company and reiteratedthat this issue could be settled if only the LGU will enter into a memorandum of agreement with the company. The company will allow the LGU pipes to pass through the private property of the company as long as the water extracted from Bugwak Spring is solely for the consumption of the town residents.
But LGU Balilihan is firm and steadfast in its stand that whatever it is doing is within the law and supported by documents. 
Photos in this page capture some of the events that took place anent the Bugwak Spring issue.

Balilihan mayor Pureza Chatto (2nd, clockwise) looks on as personnel from the National Water Resources 
Board conduct an ocular inspection in relation to the local government unit’s conditional water permit, which is being questioned by Richli Water.
Engr. Roy Requerme, the Special Investigator of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) dips into the river as he conducts an ocular inspection at Bugwak Spring which is the area where the local government unit of Balilihan is looking at in its project to draw water from for the town’s waterworks.
Even during late in the evening, Balilihan mayor Pureza Chatto (center) visits the authorities who are guarding the area at barangay Sto. Niño leading to Bugwak Spring. Contributed photo
Richard Lim, chairman of Richli Water, is seen here during the engagement at the National Irrigation Administration compound on Dec. 2, 2021. Photo by Jonas Añuver.
Lawyer Handel Lagunay (left, standing) the legal counsel of the Pajuta family, presents documents to 
Engr. Roy Requerme (right, seated) of the National Water Resources Board. Photo by Jonas Añuver
Richard Lim (left) is with Uldarico Ambojot (right).  Ambojot talked to members of the media during the press 
conference at the Eskaya Resort on Dec. 4, 2022. Ambojot expressed his sentiments regarding the issue between the local government unit of Balilihan and Richli Water. He is a resident of barangay Sto. Niño and claims that his family has property being used without permission. Photo by Jonas Añuver