The Bacolod City Water District yesterday filed befor e the Regional Trial Court an injunction with prayer for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction and establishment of right of way against the owners of the Boro-Boro Spring in Brgy. Alangilan, Bacolod City.

The case was filed by Jovim Entila, counsel of Baciwa, against Edmundo Sausi of Sitio Balogo, Talisay, and his children for the closure the right of way leading to the spring.

Baciwa received reports Sunday that Spring no. 2 was sabotaged and its water diverted and later found out that the gate to the only access road has been padlocked by the owners without prior notice.

Baciwa general manager Vicente Petierre said this could affect about 5,000 to 9,000 households in the area.

Juan Rubrico, lawyer for the Sausi's, said the family is asking Baciwa for P67 million as royalty pay after the court rendered a decision in 2004 that they own the property. He said the family wants to negotiate with Baciwa but Baciwa is not interested because it has no money and he believes the case it filed will be dismissed.

Rubrico said he does not know who is responsible for destroying the spring intake box although the owners have about 40 men guarding the property at night. He said Baciwa has no contract with the owners to draw water from the spring but it derived its rights from the Yulo Water Works.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday that he has asked Baciwa to keep in touch with the City Legal Office and if a situation should arise where the city's authority is needed, the city will intervene. He said the city will ensure that the welfare of the people is taken care of, and it will use its authority and power in case the respondents defy the order of the court.

Entila said what the Sausis did to Baciwa is tantamount to economic sabotage.*CGS

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