Group disproves Byron’s prez claim

A HOMEOWNERS association yesterday issued a statement clarifying that former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia is not their president.

The statement signed by Luis T. Fernandez, president of the Corona Del Mar Homeowners Association Inc. (CDMHAI), criticized Garcia for his “highly immoral, illegal and oppressive takeover of the Corona del Mar subdivision.”

Fernandez also said Byron Garcia “destabilized a peaceful and thriving community and aimed to disrespect the process set in place by the CDMHAI and resorted to violent means” in dealing with an American with whom he had a confrontation with last Sunday.

“The official statement that was released and signed by the CDMHAI president is the whole truth,” said Julie Castanos, Filinvest Cebu Development Corp. Branch Operations chief.

FCDC is the developer of the Corona del Mar subdivision, a 41-hectare property occupied by 200 residents, which opened in 1999.

In a press conference held last Sunday afternoon, Byron Garcia said he plans to file charges against Filinvest for allegedly failing to build the amenities and services that were promised to homeowners.

Garcia and American Wayne Morris figured in a confrontation over  metal “Slow Down” signages  set up by the American in the middle of the road near his home.

Byron removed the barriers saying he was acting on residents’ complaints in his capacity as president of the homeowner’s association.  He said he was elected last Sept. 11.

Morris accused Byron of brandishing his AK-47 rifle at him during the dispute.

Byron claimed that Morris insulted and poked his fingers at him after he tried to remove the metal barricade.

He denied pointing the rifle at Morris and turned over his rifle to the authorities last Monday afternoon.

SPO1 Joel Rosales of the Talisay City police said Morris has yet to file a complaint against Byron.

“The gun was just shown to him. It is just a minor offense,” he said.

Rosales said the case can be settled in the barangay hall.

“They can also go directly to the Talisay police precinct and we will just guide them on how to file a complaint. If a minor case like this will be filed at the prosecutor’s office, it will be dismissed,” he said. Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell