By Xander Ledesma
A female security guard was trapped for nearly eight hours inside Abuno Elementary and High School in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, November 1, 2024, after a private claimant padlocked all three gates of the school. The incident occurred around 9 a.m., when Noel Alegres Cosep, one of the eight private claimants of the property, arrived and locked the gates, effectively trapping the guard within the premises.
Cosep reportedly attempted to have the guard leave the area, but she chose to remain at her post as she was still on duty. The 32-year-old guard’s confinement drew immediate attention when School Principal Airene Godinez reported the incident to local authorities, including Pajac Barangay Captain Bonifacio Ompad Jr. and the local police station. The local government, led by Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, quickly intervened in the situation.
Mayor Chan expressed his frustration with the action taken by Cosep, emphasizing that the dispute over the land, which is currently home to the school, should have been addressed through legal means rather than resorting to such drastic actions. “The matter should be settled through the courts, not by locking up the school and detaining the guard,” Chan stated. According to the mayor, the city government holds the legal documents affirming ownership of the land, including a deed of donation from 1966 and a council resolution signed by former Mayor Mariano Dimataga.
The land dispute stems from conflicting claims of ownership. While the Department of Education (DepEd) and the City of Lapu-Lapu both possess documents indicating government ownership of the land, Cosep and others involved in the claim argue that they have the rightful ownership through their own documentation. As of now, the case remains unresolved, and Mayor Chan has called for a court ruling to determine the rightful owner of the land.
Department of Education (DepEd) attorney Marricar Endico-Ruñez also presented supporting documents to local authorities confirming the city’s ownership of the property. These documents, dated August 1966, indicate that the lot was donated to the government by Marciano Alegres, a former landowner. Despite the documentation supporting the government’s claim, Cosep and other claimants have yet to formally challenge the city’s ownership in court.
Barangay Captain Ompad confirmed that Cosep padlocked the gates, trapping the female guard inside the school. Surveillance footage from the school and testimonies from the guard corroborated Ompad’s statement. The guard, who was unable to leave due to her duty and the locked gates, had difficulty accessing food, with her husband needing to pass her a meal through the side gate. She was eventually freed when Ompad, with the help of DepEd officials, decided to cut the chain on a smaller side gate, allowing the guard to exit.
As of November 2, the main gates remained locked, with authorities monitoring the situation. Concerns over the reopening of the school for the coming Monday, November 4, were also raised, as the locked gates could pose a risk during the resumption of classes. Ompad expressed worry over the safety of students, especially if panic ensued due to the locked gates, which could result in a stampede.
The situation highlights the ongoing land dispute that continues to affect the community. Local officials have emphasized the need for a legal resolution to the issue, urging all parties involved to follow proper procedures instead of resorting to actions that put public safety at risk. Authorities are hopeful that by Sunday, the gates will be unlocked, allowing the school to reopen smoothly for classes on Monday.