DILG to order withdrawal of Guimbal mayor’s authority over local police

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it will strip Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin’s authority over the local police.

This came after Garin and his son Rep. Richard Garin allegedly disarmed, frisked, and handcuffed PO3 Federico Macaya Jr. and seized his belongings.

The police officer 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

“What the congressman and the mayor did was abuse of authority and display of arrogance, a conduct unbecoming of men in authority and well-deserving of punishment,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

“I will not tolerate this kind of behavior and will order the removal of Mayor Garin’s deputation authority over the Guimbal police once the investigation results are out,” he added.

Año noted that the incident is “a clear ground for the withdrawal” of the authority Mayor Garin has over the local police unit.

Citing Section 61 of the Local Government Code of 1991, according to Año, administrative charges may also be filed against Mayor Garin at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for abuse of authority, oppression, and misconduct in office.

“We will make sure that justice will be served and will run after local chief executives who abuse their authority,” he said.

Meanwhile, Año added that the DILG will also recommend to the House of Representatives that sanctions be imposed on Rep. Garin. /ee

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