Briton given 7 days to answer complaints for fencing airstrip

CEBU, Philippines - The British national facing criminal complaints for fencing Santa Fe airstrip was given one week by the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to file his counter-affidavit.

Christopher Paul Alexander, 44, resident of Bay Silion in Bantayan, has asked for a preliminary investigation into the complaints for direct assault, occupation of real property or usurpation of real right, and malicious mischief.

He was arrested by the members of the Santa Fe Police Station on September 20 at 3:10 p.m. for starting a fence construction around the airstrip, which he claimed to be his property.

Alexander presented documents during the inquest investigation at the prosecutor’s office Monday showing that he rented the property.

Alexander denied being arrested for fencing the airstrip. According to him, he was taken into police custody without telling him his violation.

Earlier reports had it that the police were called by Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana who asked for assistance to arrest Alexander and four people for fencing the airstrip.

Acting on the report, Police Officer 4 Carlos Condino and Police Officer 3 Marino Cajes went to the area located in Barangay Ocoy and saw the ongoing construction.

Esgana reportedly asked Alexander to show proof of his claim but the latter allegedly disregarded him. The mayor was instead accused by Alexander of trespassing.

Alexander was eventually arrested by the police after he failed to show proof of ownership of the property he was fencing. — (FREEMAN)