PNP cancels Mayor Garin and son’s license to carry firearm

Updated (2:41 p.m.)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) canceled on Thursday the permits of Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin and his son Rep. Richard Garin to own and possess a firearm and to carry a firearm outside of residence.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he has ordered the cancellation of the father-and-son’s gun permits as an administrative action against their involvement in a case involving the use of firearms.

The two politicians were earlier accused of mauling PO3 Federico Macaya Jr.

The Garins allegedly disarmed, frisked, and handcuffed Macaya and seized his belongings. Macaya was also allegedly slapped, spat at, and threatened while being held at gunpoint.

READ: Rep. Garin, Guimbal mayor face raps for beating up, pointing gun at cop

“Rep. Richard Garin and Mayor Oscar Garin will be duly notified of this administrative sanction to their privilege to own and possess firearms pursuant to Republic Act 10591, and will be commanded to immediately turn-in all their registered firearms to the PNP,” Albayalde said in a statement.

Republic Act 10591 is the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Albayalde said that Section 39 of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations allows him as PNP chief to revoke, cancel, or suspend the license or permit for a firearm if the owner commits a crime or offense involving guns.

Currently, Rep. Garin is a registered owner of 11 firearms, including three that have expired licenses. Mayor Garin also owns eight firearms, including five that have expired licenses, according to the PNP’s firearms information database.

“All these firearms are now subject to confiscation upon revocation of their License to Own and Possess Firearms, effectively making them ineligible to own and possess guns,” Albayalde said.

He said Macaya will also file cases of physical injuries, assault upon a person in authority, alarm and scandal, grave coercion, and grave threats against the suspects.

Albayalde said he will also endorse to the National Police Commission the recommendation of Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of the Western Visayas Police, to withdraw the deputation of Mayor Garin to have supervision and control over the local police of Guimbal, Iloilo.

The PNP chief added he has ordered the regional police to investigate Senior Inspector Antonio Monreal Jr., who was earlier relieved from his post as Guimbal police chief, for his “failure to take immediate action to the incident that happened in his presence.”

“I cannot in conscience let this abuse and oppression pass without justice,” Albayalde said.

He said he will also order the PNP Legal Service to provide legal assistance to Macaya in his complaints and possible counter charges by the suspects. /ee