Iloilo congressman Richard Garin, Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. surrender firearms

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. of Guimbal, Iloilo and his son Iloilo Rep. Richard Garin, who were accused of beating up a police officer last week, have surrendered their firearms, including some high-powered rifles, to authorities following the cancellation of their gun licenses.

The Garins turned over the firearms to their relative, Iloilo Vice Gov. Christine Garin and eventually to the Guimbal municipal police station.

The two Garins were accused of holding Police Officer 3 Frederico Macaya at gunpoint while handcuffed and beating him up at the town plaza. 

Records from the Western Visayas Police Regional Office-VI showed that only 14 firearms were turned over to authorities out of the total 19 guns registered under the two politicians’ names. 

The surrendered firearms include several 9mm pistols and cal. 45 pistols, a 5.56 mm rifle, a 9mm submachine gun and a 12-gauge shotgun. 

The elder Garin had eight registered firearms but he only surrendered five, while his son surrendered nine out of 11 registered firearms. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde ordered the cancellation of the gun permits issued to the two politicians after they assaulted Macaya. 

The Garins’ Licenses to Own and Possess Firearms and Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence were all cancelled as administrative sanctions were filed against them over the incident. 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that out of the 19 firearms registered to the Garins, some have expired licenses. 

Despite the numerous firearms, Año said there is no indication that the Garins have a private army. 

Following President Duterte’s directive, Año said they have filed both administrative and criminal charges against the Garins.

“There are consequences of their actions. Matapang naman sila, kaya naman siguro nila ipagtanggol sarili nila,” Año added.

Criminal charges filed against the Garins included direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injury, slander by deeds, alarm and scandal and serious illegal detention. 

Meanwhile, administrative charges against the Garins were filed before the ombudsman in the Visayas that included conduct unbecoming, grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Año said he will convene the National Police Commission to remove Mayor Garin’s deputation authority over the local police.

The Garins were also stripped of their police escorts. 

The younger Garin had apologized for the incident and said that they were just frustrated as he alleged that Macaya was behind the affidavit of desistance filed against a suspect who hurt a minor at the town plaza. – With Ramon Efren Lazaro