By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, announced that the town’s water supply has been restored.
On the official social media page of the local government, it was stated that Mayor Yulo, along with representatives from the Office of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, police personnel from La Castellana, and officials of Barangay Cabacungan, led the restoration efforts at the Tikoy-Tikoy reservoir.
This development followed the arrest of Elmo Nueva and his children, who were charged with extortion and robbery related to the water source in Tikoy-Tikoy, Barangay Cabacungan, La Castellana.
Plumbers from the Moises Padilla local government assessed the damage, identifying blockages in the pipes caused by sacks and rocks deliberately placed in the water lines.
Barangay Tanod members worked together to clean the surrounding area, while Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) were deployed to secure the reservoir.
As of Sunday, plumbers reported that water supply had been restored to Barangays 1, 3, 4, and 6.
Security measures, including the deployment of Barangay Tanod members, BPAT, PMFC, and PNP personnel, remain in place to protect the Tikoy-Tikoy reservoir.
According to the LGU’s social media statement, the Nueva family and others involved in damaging the water supply over the past year will face legal consequences.
The LGU also expressed gratitude to Governor Lacson and Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan for their assistance in restoring the water supply.
Earlier, Mayor Yulo sought the intervention of Governor Lacson to resolve the water supply issues, which had severely affected the town.
In an interview with Daily Guardian, Yulo explained that the town’s water supply had been disrupted by Elmo Nueva and his family. Nueva, who claimed ownership of the property, reportedly fenced off the area around the water valve at the Tikoy-Tikoy Spring and closed it, disrupting water access for residents.
Thirteen of Moises Padilla’s 15 barangays rely on the Tikoy-Tikoy Spring for water.
Mayor Yulo shared that she raised the issue with the governor during his visit to the town last Thursday and presented a plan to address the problem.
The LGU holds Water Permit No. 022660, issued by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), authorizing it to use the waters of Tikoy-Tikoy Spring for its residents.
The pump system is located on property previously donated to the LGU by Eleno Nuevo, now Danica Mae Nazareno, as an act of goodwill. Relevant documents are available for public inspection at the municipal hall.
The LGU clarified that Nueva does not have a permit and that the land title he holds pertains to a different area, as verified by a survey conducted by the provincial government.
