Tension in subdivision? Byron uses AK-47 to scare neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - Byron Garcia, one of the brothers of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, admitted to showing a firearm to an American national, who is his neighbor in Pooc, Talisay City.

Byron, former consultant of the governor, reportedly got irked at his neighbor in Corona del Mar Subdivision. 

The American national allegedly put some speed bumps to slow down traffic in front of his residence, which Byron tried to call his attention to.

The confrontation started when Garcia’s group took over the leadership of the homeowners association of the subdivision yesterday.

Among the first things he did was to change the guards by removing those that were hired by the subdivision developer, Filinvest, with those from Password Security Agency.

Garcia said that when he called the attention of his neighbor about the speed bumps, the American cussed at him.

He alleged that the American told him, “I don’t care who you are. You are nobody.”

Garcia said that he did not like what he heard and showed his AK-47 to the American and said, “Yes, I am nobody but I have this.”

He said that the American ran away upon seeing the rifle.

Garcia explained that his only intention was to scare the American and did not even point the gun at him.

Garcia said that he already told his neighbor about the matter and that it would be addressed the moment the new association would take over.

Garcia was elected as the president of their association two weeks ago and formally took over yesterday.

He said they took over the guard house and closed the access in the perimeter fence, which was made by the Filinvest for its neighboring subdivision without asking permission from the homeowners.

Garcia alleged that the previous association was controlled by Filinvest resulting to the commission of a lot of violations including the non-realization of the developer’s promises of amenities and services as printed in their brochures.

Garcia warned Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to reevaluate the transaction with Filinvest in developing the Citta de Mare at the South Road Properties.

 He said that he will file this week several complaints to the National Housing Authority against the developer for not complying with what was promised to the homeowners as well as to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Garcia also alleged that Filinvest is selling water at P63 per cubic meter from P12.60 cubic meter it bought from Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

“I am challenging MCWD kung kinsa may nakakwarta diha, stand up ug ari sa Corona del Mar kay atong kulatahon,” he said.

Garcia also plans to file a complaint before the Local Water Utilities Administration against MCWD and Filinvest.

Garcia added that they already have referred their concern to Julie Castaños of Filinvest Cebu office but they were referred to Manila.

SPO1 Nestor Canlobo, desk officer on duty at the Talisay City Police Station said that the tension occurred at the subdivision was reported by a certain Antonio Lopez, the subdivision administrator. —/NLQ (FREEMAN)