By ARDY ARANETA-BATOY
The former provincial administrator of Bohol
has come out of silence and unveiled his
thoughts over the ongoing hostilities and
aggression between Sevilla and Balilihan
towns concerning ownership of Bugwak
Spring, a rich source of clean, fresh drinking
water.
In a recent public statement, Ae Damalerio
addressed the ongoing water crisis in Bohol.
“Nganung ihikaw man nang tubig sa mga nag
kinahanglan ug tubig? Naunsa naman ta diri
sa Bohol? We create crises?” Damalerio
asked.
Damalerio highlighted the abundance of water
in Bugwak Spring and questioned why it is not
being shared with those in need.
“Sa Middle East, thousands of kilometers
ilang kuhaan ug tubig para lang maka supply
sa katawhan, pero kita? Dunay gasa ug
bahandi gihatag sa Kahitas-an naa ra sa
atong tugkaran apan dili nato mahimung ipa
inum sa uban? Asa ang common sense?” he
posted on Facebook.
“Di nata pwede maka pa inum sa atong
silingang lungsod ug silingang katawhan? Ang
mga taga Balilihan ba dili mga Bol-anon?”
Damelerio asked.
He cited the hospitality of Boholanos shown
during fiestas as sort of emblem of humanity’s
kindness and gratitude.
“Kun fiesta sa Bohol, manapit paman gani kay
mauy atong gawi ug kultura, hikawan na
hinuon atong silingan ug tubig nga natural
resources kini that is owned by the state,”
Damalerio said.
Damalerio criticized the local officials of
Sevilla for compromising the rights of their
fellow Boholanos and urged them to consider
the basic needs of the people.
This comes after Sevilla, Bohol Mayor Juliet
Dano on Friday led the demolition of water
pipes and other pump installations in Bugwak
Spring supplying water to the people of
Balilihan.
Dano claimed the water project was illegal,
and does not have clearances from the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
Meanwhile, Damalerio also drew attention to
the Hanopol Hydro Plant in Balilihan, which
shares its renewable power with Sevilla and
neighboring towns in the province through
Boheco (Bohol Electric Cooperative).
“If I may share, the Hanopol Hydro Plant is
located in Balilihan, but its renewable power
generated is being shared and distributed to
neighboring towns of Bohol thru Boheco.
Nganu? kay basic utilities and basic need sa
mga katawhan. Or we forget the fundamentals
of human rights,” Damalerio said.
He ended his FB post with a quote on the
abuse of power and called for leadership that
does not compromise people.
“To our local officials of Sevilla, and with all
due respect, Ayaw ninyu tumbi ang katungod
sa inyung isig ka Bol-anon kay lingin ning
kalibutan. Mu tabang ta sa ubang taw gawas
sa Bohol kun maigo ug kalamidad, apan
atong silingan di ta makahatag ug tubig?”
Damalerio said.
His words have resonated with many and
have sparked a conversation on the
importance of sharing resources and ensuring
basic human rights.
Balilihan town councilor Dodong Toledo
Libatona has also expressed his sadness and
dismay over the actuations of Sevilla, Bohol
Mayor Dano.
In an FB post, Libatona said Balilihan’s
leaders led by Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto
are committed to protecting the rights of the
people of Balilihan.
He said they will not allow anyone to take
advantage of the town’s residents.
Libatona also took a swipe on the alleged
indifference and silence of Bohol Capitol led
by Gov. Aris Aumentado, whom he describes
as the father of the province who should
broker peace, and not orchestrate conflict.
“Naunsa naman intawon mo inyo naman nga
gihikawan ang mga katawhan sa among
Lungsod Balilihan nga silingan raman unta ta?
Magpakahilom raba ang namunoan sa
probinsya labot niini unsa kaha ang iyang
himoon isip usa ka amahan sa Lalawigan nga
mahatagan kini sa kasulbaran!” said
Councilor Libatona.