The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has demanded the Local Government Unit of Sevilla (LGU Sevilla) to return or restore the water pump they took because it is part of the DPWH project.

The demand letter was issued on June 14, 2023 by the DPWH District Engineer of District 1. The letter stated that the water pump was taken without permission and that it is essential for the DPWH project to provide water to the residents of Balilihan.

The LGU Sevilla has not yet responded to the demand letter.

The joint ocular inspection or tracking was conducted on June 13, 2023 by the Regional and Provincial heads of DENR, DILG and DPWH, together with LGU Balilihan, LGU Sevilla, and Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).

The representatives of LGU Sevilla and the District Engineers of District 1 and 3, and the PENRO (DENR) also tackled the issue during the inspection.

The DPWH has stated that it will take legal action if the LGU Sevilla does not return or restore the water pump.

The water pump is part of the DPWH project to provide water to the residents of Balilihan. The project is funded by the national government.