Rep. Richard Garin apologizes for incident with cop in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo Rep. Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. has issued an apology amid allegations that he beat up and spat at a handcuffed police officer at gunpoint.

READ: Rep. Garin, Guimbal mayor face raps for beating up, spitting at cop — PNP-Region 6

In a statement mostly in Hiligaynon, Garin, a scion of the Garin political clan based in Guimbal town in Iloilo, did not specify what he was apologizing for but said that he was “sincerely” asking for an apology.

“I reiterate my apologies for my actions which I take full responsibility for. Pero gusto ko lang ma klaro nga ang akon actions kaina [But I would like to clarify that my earlier actions[ are not directed to the [Philippine National Police] as an institution, or against its officers and personnel. My actions were a mere display of extreme frustration towards one, single PNP personnel nga sa akon panglantaw [whom I perceived] committed a great disservice to the people of Guimbal,” Garin said.

The PNP in Iloilo has accused Garin of berating, beating up and spitting on PO3 Federico Macaya Jr. near the Guimbal town plaza early Wednesday.

PO3 Federico Macaya Jr., 41, (right) whose left face is swollen after he was allegedly mauled by Iloilo Rep Richard Garin (left). (Photo courtesy of RMN-Iloilo)

Garin was allegedly with his father, Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin Sr., who was previously an Iloilo representative, and several bodyguards.

In his statement, Garin admitted that he became frustrated after a police officer, whom he did not name, failed to file a complaint against a person who had allegedly physically assaulted a child on Dec. 22 at the town plaza.

Garin claimed the police officers convinced the victim not to file a complaint.

“What the policeman did is a betrayal of public trust and a clear abuse of his position. It was also contrary to the policy of the PNP,” Garin said.

The entire Guimbal Municipal Police Station has been relieved after a majority of the police officers said they did not want to be assigned in the town.

Police are readying criminal complaints against Garin. /atm