Briton charged for building fence around Sta. Fe airstrip

CEBU, Philippines - A 44-year-old British national is facing charges before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly constructing a fence around the Santa  Fe airstrip in Bantayan Island and claiming ownership to the facility.

The Santa Fe police filed direct assault and occupation of real property or usurpation of real rights and malicious mischief yesterday against Christopher Paul Alexander, a resident of Bay Silion, Bantayan.

The complaints were handled by Prosecutor Mary Anne Demano.

Alexander was arrested on September 20, 2014, at around 3:10 p.m., after he allegedly started constructing a fence around the Santa Fe airstrip.

The police said their station received a telephone call from Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana asking for assistance as Alexander and four laborers were fencing the airstrip.

SPO4 Carlos Condino and PO3 Marino Cajes went to the area located at Barangay Ocoy and saw the ongoing construction.

Esgana, who was also in the area, reportedly asked Alexander to show proof of his claim that he owns the land but the latter allegedly disregarded him. Alexander allegedly told Esgana that the mayor was trespassing in his property. 

Since Alexander failed to show proof that he owned the property, Condino and Cajes arrested the British national and  brought him to the police station.  (FREEMAN)