Police to seek court order on disputed property

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will seek a court order to clear the disputed property in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City from security guards and reservists to put an end to the tension in the area.

This was revealed Thursday by Supt. Thomas Martir, Talisay City police chief. He said the PNP believes that only a court can order the security guards and the reservists to vacate the area, considering that it is a private property.

A shootout ensued Monday between the warring groups which resulted to the death of two security guards and the wounding of five others.

Martir added that he will recommend a Community Police Assistance Center (Compac) to be established in the area until such time that the court can decide on the ownership dispute between several families over the said property.

This as two reservists who acted as security guards of one of the feuding families was released by the police after the lapse of the 36-hour reglamentary period of detention.

Martir admitted they were forced to release reservists Marvin Esparas and Joar Sayod, who are also members of the E and R Security Agency, after no charges were filed against them in court within the period of their detention.

Martir added that no firearms were taken from Esparas and Sayod, as the four shotguns, a .22 caliber rifle and an M-16 assault rifle were recovered at the scene of the incident.

The shootout claimed the lives of security guards Francis Lumangyao and Federico Mandate and caused injuries to Honorato Talimudao and his son Ralph Marshall, Rodolfo Aboc, Army Cpl. Rene Escalona and Army reservist Lolito Onate.

Martir said investigation showed the shootout was triggered by a land dispute that involves several families.

The disputed area is now being patrolled by police troopers assigned at the Community Police Assistance Center in Brgy. Concepcion, Talisay City to ease the tension, he added. (TDE)