Police secure disputed Baguio property after confrontation

BAGUIO CITY — Police have deployed round-the-clock security at a disputed property along Asin Road following a confrontation between rival claimants on Tuesday, 20 October.

Police Station 9 reported that a 69-year-old woman, accompanied by several individuals, including a former Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) member, entered the contested property in Purok 2, Kilometer 3, Asin Road, around 9:30 a.m.

Benedict Valenciano, one of the parties involved in the ongoing court dispute, objected to the group's presence and called the 911 emergency hotline.

Valenciano claimed that approximately 20 people accompanied the woman and that he was shoved and injured during the confrontation.

Police have yet to verify the alleged assault, and no charges have been filed.

He identified one of the group's leaders as Joel Gatchalian, whom he described as the head of the CPLA's Busay faction.

Personnel from Police Station 9 and the City Mobile Force Company responded to the incident, with additional officers returning later in the afternoon.

Authorities reported that no firearms were seen or used during the confrontation.

The dispute centers on conflicting claims over property ownership and the validity of documents involving waivers of rights, reconveyance and damages. A petition for a preliminary injunction is also pending before the courts.

Both parties have agreed to participate in a dialogue tentatively scheduled for Thursday, 22 October, with Baguio City Councilor Jose Molintas, a lawyer, expected to serve as mediator.

Police Station 9, the City Mobile Force Company and the Mobile Patrol Unit are maintaining a 24-hour presence at the property to prevent further confrontations.

The ownership dispute remains unresolved pending court proceedings.