1 week ago
9
CEBU CITY — The police arrested former Minglanilla vice mayor Loben Geonzon and his siblings for the unauthorized construction of a fence that blocked access of residents from their homes.
Authorities served a warrant of arrest against Geonzon, his sister, former town councilor and current Tunghaan Barangay Councilor Lynette Geonzon, and their brothers Glenson and Lonito.
Judge Albie Charisse Faith Sojor of the Municipal Trial Court of Minglanilla issued the warrant after the siblings were charged with constructing the fence without the required permit.
Despite multiple notices from Municipal Engineer Joselito Nacario citing violations under the National Building Code, the Geonzons allegedly ignored the warnings and pushed ahead with the construction, blocking residents' access.
Frustrated homeowners took their complaints to the Municipal Engineering Office, prompting an inspection by the Office of the Building Official.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Investigators confirmed that the fence had been built without authorization, reinforcing the residents' claims.
With the arrests, the former vice mayor and his siblings now face charges for violating Section 301 of Presidential Decree 1096.
Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Ivy Susvilla-Layson stated in her summary resolution that the evidence presented established prima facie grounds to charge the respondent with violating Section 301, Chapter 3 (Illegal Construction) of Presidential Decree 1096, also known as the National Building Code of the Philippines.
She noted that the available witnesses and documentary evidence provided reasonable certainty of conviction.
The resolution was approved by Provincial Prosecutor Ludivico Vistal Cutaran.
The former vice mayor, who is running for a council seat in the 2025 elections, and his sister have posted bail at P12,000 each.
