The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals reinstated protection orders in a case involving Roberto Márquez Suárez and Roberto Berríos Falcón. The court's decision, issued on September 30, 2026, comes after a lower court's ruling that denied the protection orders. This ruling affects the parties involved and highlights the ongoing legal battle over allegations of harassment and property disputes.

The case began when Roberto Márquez Suárez, along with his parents, filed a petition against their neighbor, Roberto Berríos Falcón, in April 2024. They sought an injunction to prevent Berríos Falcón from entering their property and to stop actions that disturbed their peace. They also sought $100,000 in damages for alleged negligence. Berríos Falcón responded with a counterclaim, asserting that the Márquez family had invaded his property and harassed him.

As the case progressed through the courts, the lower court initially dismissed the request for an injunction, stating that the Márquez family had adequate legal remedies available. However, as incidents escalated, Márquez Suárez filed for protection orders under Puerto Rico's anti-stalking law and the law protecting senior citizens, citing intimidation and threats from Berríos Falcón.

On June 4, 2026, after a hearing, the lower court issued protection orders in favor of both the Márquez family and Berríos Falcón, citing evidence of harassment and threats from both sides. However, on June 22, Berríos Falcón filed a motion to reconsider the orders, arguing that the evidence did not support the claims against him. The lower court agreed and revoked the protection orders on July 22, 2026, stating that the elements of stalking and elder abuse were not proven.

In response, the Márquez family appealed the decision to the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals, which reviewed the case. The court ruled that the lower court had erred in its decision to revoke the protection orders. The court stated, "We expeditiously issue the writ of certiorari and revoke the challenged resolution." The judges on the panel included Rivera Marchand, Pagán Ocasio, and Aldebol Mora.

The Appeals Court ordered the lower court to hold a hearing to properly adjudicate Berríos Falcón's motion for reconsideration and to reinstate the protection orders until that hearing takes place. This reinstatement means that the protection orders will remain in effect while the case continues.

This ruling is significant as it underscores the importance of judicial protection for individuals who allege harassment and threats. It also highlights the complexities of legal disputes involving neighbors and the need for courts to carefully evaluate evidence in such cases. The reinstated protection orders provide a temporary measure of safety for the parties involved while the legal process unfolds.

The decision could set a precedent for similar cases in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the courts' role in protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring that legal protections for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, are upheld. The ruling reinforces the legal framework established by Puerto Rico's anti-stalking and elder protection laws.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Berríos Falcón will appeal the Court of Appeals' decision. The ongoing legal battle between the parties may continue to unfold in the lower courts as they navigate the complexities of their disputes.

Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential related cases or further appeals that may arise from this decision.