THE matter is out of our hands so there’s no point in delving into it.

Police are busy looking for the perpetrators. That’s what you do when Malacanang tells you not to “dilly-dally” in your investigation. I just hope, though, that in their haste to solve this crime, they will get the right persons.

But my heart does go out to the family and friends of the 16-year-old who was found brutally murdered in the early morning of Monday, March 11.

In the meantime, the public needs to buckle up for the mild El Nino that’s coming our way. Heck, it may even have arrived.

Look around you. The ground is parched. There hasn’t been a drop of rain in weeks and temperatures have soared. You know what that means, right? Cebu’s already meager water resources are being put to the test.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has already announced that water rationing is in effect in 15 areas in Cebu City.

According to MCWD public affairs manager Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara, the water at the Buhisan Dam has reached a critical level. As a result, consumers will experience “fewer service hours” compared to normal days.

If some of you are wondering what that means, well, if you turn on the tap and nothing comes out... that’s what it means.

Usually, the MCWD comes out with an advisory when the water will be available so be sure to take note and prepare.

So if you live in the affected areas, you need to learn to conserve water. You need to prioritize its use.

If you can get away without bathing daily, well and good. Just make sure you don’t hang out in enclosed, crowded areas. If you must, then it’s time to invest in a cologne or a perfume. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just enough to mask that “aroma” an unwashed body gives off. Also, try not to soil your clothes too much. That should cut down on your laundry. And people, everyone will understand if your vehicle looks like it has been through hell and back. Trust me, the vehicle won’t care.

As for that beautiful garden, well, some plants will have to be sacrificed. In any case, there’s no need to worry too much because they do grow back. Anyway, that should also teach some of you to choose plants that are well suited to Cebu’s climate.

Finally, fix that dripping tap. It’s a shame for all that water to go to waste.

You might think I’m joking, but Cebuanos will have to adapt. The problem is not going away. It will probably even get worse.

I know our politicians are busy preparing for the May elections, but they need to tell the public how they intend to address it.

After all, water is life.