(Eagle News)–The Iloilo Provincial Police Office has filed criminal and administrative charges against Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. and his son, Iloilo Rep. Richard Garin, over the mauling of one of their policemen.
Charges for direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injuries, slander by deeds, serious illegal detention, and alarm and scandal were filed against the father-and-son tandem, who was accused of beating P03 Federico Macaya Jr. for not pushing through with the filing of a complaint against an individual.
Also charged were the two “John Does” who were security escorts of the Garins.
Administrative charges for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming, oppression and abuse of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public were also filed against the four.
In a related development, Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba, IPPO director, said at least 28 police officers have been asked to be transferred to other areas in the province from Guimbal.
He said that he granted their requests with some being deployed to the towns of Tubungan, Igbaras and Bingawan.
He said others opted to join the Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company.
“The treatment given them by the higher officials in the town caused them to feel low morale and they said that they have already stayed quite long at the town so they wanted to venture and extend their services in other municipalities,” he said.
The transferred policemen were replaced by a special unit with members coming from the different mobile force companies in the province.
Earlier, Philippine National Police chief director General Oscar Albayalde 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 to the Garins.
Based on PNP data, the congressman was the registered owner of 11 firearms, three of which have expired licenses.
The mayor, on the other hand, was the registered owner of eight firearms, five of which have expired licenses, according to the PNP.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that following the incident, there was “clear ground” for the removal of the mayor’s deputation authority over the local police.PNA