Byron’s group, Filinvest reps agree on water conflict terms

With the intervention of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Filinvest Land Inc. and the Corona del Mar Subdivision (CDMS) homeowners association agreed to turn off water supply for three hours starting today until Dec. 15 to give way to the treatment and maintenance of the water system.

Fernandez yesterday mediated between the two warring parties after several tense encounters in the subdivision.

The plumber who was the subject of a “citizen’s arrest” by homeowners association president Byron Garcia for turning off the water mains was released on Wednesday.

But Michael Almanzor, 28, still has to face a complaint of malicious mischief filed with the prosecutor’s office.

Filinvest lawyer Dante Ramos said the developer may pursue charges against Garcia for making an “illegal arrest” of the plumber, who was just following instructions.

Early this month, Garcia padlocked the subdivision’s clubhouse as this was allegedly used as an office of FLI, which the homeowners’ association protest.

He threatened the guards who tried to stop him.

Yesterday, around 40 homeowners attended the meeting at the mayor’s office. Pooc barangay captain Doryteo Emit and the city’s planning officer were also present.

Among the matters raised by the homeowners were the water rates that Filinvest is charging residents, the ongoing development Escala Subdivision, the security guards’ demeanor and undelivered lot titles and amenities.

Mayor Fernandez told Filinvest that subdivision guards must be polite, gentle and protective.

Engineer. Archie Igot of Filinvest explained that they have stopped construction in the Escala Subdivision after Mayor Fernandez issued a cease-and-desist order last Sept. 21.

The homeowners protested the use of their roads by trucks going to Escala.

Last Wednesday, Garcia led homeowners in parking two minibuses to block the entrance of Escala.

Emit suggested that Filinvest use the road in sitio Maharlika at the back of CDMS in going to Escala. Filinvest agreed.

Homeowners also complained that Filinvest’s water rate of P63 per cubic meter was too high.

Mayor Fernandez said he will contact the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) to explore having water supplied from the district.

Fernandez also said he will assign someone to inspect the water treatment of the subdivision pool after the homeowners complained that the swimming pool is not cleaned regularly.

The homeowners are hoping that Filinvest will fulfill their promises.

The two parties will sign a Memorandum of Agreement Dec. 15 based on what they have agreed during the meeting.

After the closed door meeting, the homeowners lined up in front of the Corona del Mar gate and carried streamers criticizing Filinvest.