Cops' help sought in row between Caloocan homeowners, officials

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of a homeowners’ association in Caloocan City are seeking police intervention in a conflict brewing between their members and barangay officials.

Alberto Fajardo, president of the BF Homes subdivision homeowners association in Barangay 169, said barangay watchmen have been threatening the subdivision’s security guards with harm.

Fajardo said he would personally seek the help of Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr.

In a recent complaint to the police, subdivision security guard Diebed Tolentino alleged that at least five barangay watchmen of Barangay 169 threatened to kill him.

The watchmen reportedly tried to prevent him from issuing tickets and collecting fees to motorists entering their subdivision.

Fajardo said the collection of fees is legal, as mandated by the homeowners’ association’s rules and regulations.

He said he brought the matter to the attention of barangay chairman Ruben Gatchalian but the watchmen continued stalking their guards, and that a few weeks ago unidentified men demolished one of the subdivision’s guardhouses.

The STAR tried but failed to contact Gatchalian at the barangay hall.

Barangay watchman Roberto Bacani denied the homeowners’ allegations. “We are just trying stop them from illegally collecting fees from the motorists,” he said.        – Pete Laude