Editorial - Of Byron and his gun

By brandishing a gun during a confrontation with an American national last week, Byron Garcia had seriously put himself in hot water. Now he is going to face the consequences of his actions.

Firearms Explosives Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section chief Rex Derilo is recommending for the revocation of Garcia’s license. Garcia is accused of bringing his AK-47 outside his residence without permit.

Derilo explained that the fact that Garcia brought his gun without permit is considered a probable cause. His move to have Garcia’s license revoked is based on the investigation report sent to them by Talisay Police Station chief Superintendent Eddie Recamara.

Garcia, the former security consultant of the provincial government, admitted he took his firearm from his vehicle in order to scare Wayen Morris, with whom he was involved in an altercation. The brother of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was reported to have angered by Morris’ putting up of speed bumps in front of his house to slow down traffic.

Although Garcia claimed de did not point his firearm at the American, it is the act of bringing it out of his house without permit from police that makes him accountable in the eyes of the public. He cannot escape public opinion that his illegal action is highly condemnable.

Garcia is a member of Cebu ’s most influential family. Although leading a civilian life, he seems to paint himself as very invincible, thinking he can do whatever he wants, such as bringing a gun out of his residence without a permit.

Garcia may have been a brother of a governor, a brother of a congressman, and a son of a well respected congressman. But that cannot give him a parachute of authority to dive beyond the boundary of our laws.

Instead, as a member of a well respected family, he should have acted within the bounds of the law during the Morris encounter. Brandishing a gun, especially in front of a foreigner, is not one of the characteristics embraced by Filipinos, who are known to be peace-loving and friendly.

Garcia has been a ‘notorious’ figure since he was the Capitol security consultant. And it is bad enough he still continues to draw controversies.