Madrigal returns ‘killer’ car

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol chief of security Loy Anthony Madrigal yesterday turned over the province-owned vehicle issued to him, four days after it figured in an accident in Barangay Don Pedro, Bogo City.

This was after the release of an order recalling all Capitol-owned properties issued to him.

The black Mitsubishi Strada (SJC 600) is now in Capitol custody. The vehicle has a dent on its front left side as a result of the accident, which resulted to the death of Felix Mirambel and injuries to Marites, Felix's wife.

A certain Jayson Catarinin turned over the vehicle on behalf of Madrigal at 12:20 p.m.  The Provincial Administration Office was trying to determine Catarinin's employment status as of press time yesterday.

Jone Siegfred Sepe, Provincial General Services Office officer-in-charge, said the key of the vehicle was left with a Capitol security guard and that he was only informed by the guard the vehicle was already returned by Madrigal.

Aside from the Strada, the Capitol also issued to Madrigal five motorcycles, a KIA K2700 double cab pickup (SJV 774), and nine firearms.

One of the motorcycles that were being used by the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center was already returned to the Capitol, while the pickup has always been stationed at the motorpool after every use.

This leaves four motorcycles and the firearms  that Madrigal still has to surrender.

Madrigal, who is currently on a 20-day leave, earlier requested that he be allowed to keep the firearms until he can purchase his own because of threats to his life.

Sepe said it is up to Governor Hilario Davide III and Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino to issue an ultimatum when Madrigal should have already surrendered the items issued to him.

Davide, meanwhile, visited Marites yesterday at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

The province has assured to shoulder all of her hospital expenses, including that for a leg operation she needs to undergo, and of Felix's burial.

Madrigal's woes started after a photo of him with his secretary resting her head on his shoulder circulated over social media.

After learning of the photo, Davide requested Madrigal and his secretary to resign. (FREEMAN)