MANILA, (PNA) -– Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Friday urged officials of the cities of Makati and Taguig, both police and local government, to observe status quo amid the dispute over the posh Bonifacio Global City (BGC) that already led to a confrontation on Thursday.
”As of now, the guidance is status quo. We should wait for the court decision. We will follow whatever the order of the court,” said Roxas during a broadcast interview.
Roxas noted the incident involving members of the Taguig City’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) trying to tear down tarpaulin put up along Barangay Forbes Park which is within the jurisdiction of Makati City which was caught on camera by a Makati City resident.
The DILG chief also cited the carrying of a firearm with expired license by one of the Taguig City personnel who was caught by Makati City police within BGC which is the subject of the dispute, not only between the cities of Makati and Taguig but also the town of Pateros.
The firearm bearer was turned over to the Taguig City police but was reportedly released.
”Bagamat yung utos ng korte na inilabas ng Court of Appeals ay iba din ang interpretasyon ng Pateros, ng Taguig at ng Makati. Ang punto ditto ang pulis hindi dapat na manghimasok sa isyu na kung sino or kaninong teritoryo ito. Antayin natin yung malinaw n autos ng korte,” said Roxas.
On the other hand, Roxas said that carrying of firearm without pertinent permit and with expired license is a clear violation of law.
For the meantime, Roxas said that by observing status quo, BGC will remain under the jurisdiction of Taguig City for now.
”Sa kasalukuyan po ay yan ang patakaran at kung kakailanganin ay aaralin ito muli ng sa ganun ay maging mas malinaw at yung mga kawani ng pulis ay hindi sila ang nagbabanggaan at hindi sila yung malalagay sa alanganin,” said Roxas.
The CA earlier issued a decision awarding the posh Bonifacio Global City to Makati City. BGC is presently under the jurisdiction of Taguig City, led by Mayor Laarni Cayetano, who filed a motion for reconsideration to contest the decision.
Roxas said that the priority is to keep peace and order in the area.
”We should follow the law. We should follow the standard operating procedure,” said Roxas.