(Eagle News)—-For Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, there is a clear ground for the removal of Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin Sr.’s authority over the local police.
Año issued the statement following Police Regional Office 6 director Chief Supt. John Bulalacao’s allegations Garin and his son, Iloilo Rep. Richard Garin, mauled a policeman, P03 Federico Macaya.
Richard Garin has apologized, saying he was only irked Macaya had asked a victim to withdraw a complaint against a suspect.
“What the congressman ( and the mayor did was abuse of authority and display of arrogance; a conduct unbecoming of men in authority and well-deserving of punishment..I will not tolerate this kind of behavior,” Año said, noting that he would order the removal of the elder Garin’s deputation authority over the Guimbal police once the investigation results are out.
According to Año, President Rodrigo Duterte himself was “so disappointed..” and ordered for the filing of charges against the Garins.
Año said he would ensure the criminal and administrative charges would be filed against the father and son tandem.
Earlier, Bulalacao said they would file charges for grave threat against the mayor, and charges for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent of person in authority and grave coercion against the congressman.
According to Año, based on Section 61 of the Local Government Code of 1991, administrative charges may also be filed against the mayor at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for abuse of authority, oppression, and misconduct in office.
Año said he would also recommend that the House of Representatives impose a sanction on the congressman for the incident.
“We will make sure that justice will be served and will run after local chief executives who abuse their authority,” Año said.
