Gwen’s ex-assistant yet to account for 21 pistols, 24 radio handsets

A STAFF member of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia has not yet returned close to two dozen firearms and other valuables worth P1.24 million.

Edwin Mixdon, one of Garcia’s former executive assistants in the Capitol, also failed to turn over 24 radio units, six radio transceivers and one motorcycle, the Provincial General Services Office said yesterday.

PGSO chief Eva Encabo said all of these equipment were issued seven years ago.

She said her office already notified Mixdon to return the items last January but received no response.

Encabo said the 21 units of .45 pistols and the radio equipment were used by Garcia’s security personnel under the Capitol’s Civil Security Unit (CSU).

“Although I perceive that most items are not with him, he is liable for it because he signed the acknowledgment receipts. I heard some of the guns cannot be traced anymore,” she told reporters.

The PGSO found out about the missing items in its inventory of the province’s properties during the transition phase for the assumption of Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.

She said the PGSO will send a second notice to Mixdon immediately.

If the items are not yet returned, the matter will be endorsed to the provincial legal office for resolution.

Encabo also said former provincial budget officer Emme Gingoyon already returned the Kia Carens service vehicle issued to him by the Capitol.

The Kia Carens was returned by Gingoyon’s representative at 3 p.m. last Monday.

“In all fairness to Emme, the vehicle is still in a very good condition. He is now cleared of liabilities,” she said.

Encabo said the vehicle can be used by another Capitol department head upon his or her request.

Gingoyon’s replacement, Budget Officer Danilo Rodas was issued an P8,500 monthly transportation allowance (RATA) in lieu of a Kia service vehicle.

Gingoyon earlier said the PGSO has no authority to recall the vehicle because of his pending motion for reconsideration of his dismissal.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed Gingoyon together with Capitol officials Roy Salubre and Eulogio Pelayre from service last January 25.

They and former governor now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district are charged in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of the Balili property, a 24-hectare property bought for P98 million in 2008. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos