(Eagle News)—Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde has ordered the cancellation of the licenses to own and possess guns of Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. and Iloilo Rep. Richard Garin.
Albayalde issued the order after reports the two had mauled a policeman, P03 Federico Macaya Jr.
“Effective today, I have ordered the cancellation of all Permits to Carry Firearms outside of Residence (PTCFOR) and License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) issued by the PNP in favor of Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and incumbent Mayor Oscar Garin of Guimbal, Iloilo as an administrative action to their involvement in a criminal case involving the use of firearms,” Albayalde said in a statement.
He said based on Section 39 of the Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, a firearms license may be revoked, canceled, or suspended if a crime or offense involving guns has been committed.
He said he will endorse to the National Police Commission the withdrawal of the authority of the mayor over the local police of Guimbal.
The Western Visayas Police led by Chief Supt. John Bulalacao earlier made the same recommendation.
According to Albayalde, he has also ordered the PNP Legal Service to provide legal assistance to Macaya for the filing of his complaint and in case the Garins file counter-charges against him.
Richard Garin has apologized for the incident, saying he was irked Macayo had asked a witness to withdraw a complaint against a suspect.