LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here ordered on Tuesday the suspension for six months of Bangui town Mayor Diosdado Garvida.
Garvida was charged with gross misconduct, disloyalty to the republic, grave abuse of authority and oppression for allegedly firing a gun when he tried to stop a quarry operation near the Bolo River in Barangay Taguipuro last March.
Kremlin Alupay filed the case on April 7.
Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos issued a 30-day preventive suspension order against Garvida on May 22.
One of the witnesses said Garvida, who arrived with two men, fired two shots near a payloader. The mayor also allegedly poked his gun at Alupay.
Garvida had denied the allegations, saying that while he tried to stop the quarry operation and he had a gun, he did not fire it.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan said allegations of illegal quarrying in the area do not justify Garvida’s action.