Lapu-Lapu elementary school padlocked

Local

AN ELEMENTARY school that sits on a disputed lot in Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City was padlocked.

A family claiming ownership of the one-hectare property on which the school is located padlocked the main gate on Friday, November 1, barring entry to students and staff.

Based on several reports, the conflict centers around the land’s ownership, with the family asserting it as private property.

According to a representative, they locked the gate after allegedly receiving no response from the Lapu-Lapu City Government despite repeated requests for dialogue.

Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan, however, debunked the family’s claim by presenting a notarized deed of donation from 1966, which he says legally transferred the land to the city.

He urged that any ownership issues should be resolved in court rather than through actions that affect school operations.

The situation took a dramatic turn when a security guard was trapped inside the premises for nearly eight hours.

Pajac Barangay Captain Bonifacio Ompad Jr. coordinated with local police and eventually cut a side gate chain to free the guard after the family refused to unlock the main entrance.

The family maintains that a 2017 Transfer Certificate of Title validates their ownership, showing no annotations or competing claims.

Meanwhile, Department of Education legal counsel Marricar Endico-Ruñez presented documents supporting the city's 1966 deed of donation, underscoring the government's stance.

She suggested the city may pursue legal action against the family for grave coercion, as the blockade sidestepped judicial procedures.

Ompad expressed concerns over student safety, warning of overcrowding risks at alternative entry points if the gates remain locked.

MyTV Cebu visited the school on Monday, November 4, when the gates were finally opened to students. However, a large notice outside explicitly stated that private claimants own the land on which the school is situated.(MyTVCebu)