The American businessman who faced off an angry brother of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said he would file charges against the man who brandished an AK-47 assault rifle at him in a flareup over road barriers outside the foreigner’s house in Talisay City.
Wayne Morris, 56, said he didnt’ know the armed man who “acted like a bully” was Byron Garcia, a former Capitol security consultant, until after the Sunday encounter.
“He’s bullied us and tried to be a dictator,” Morris told Cebu Daily News yesterday.
The two men argued heatedly about 8 a.m. Sunday over three metal barriers with “Slow Down” signs put up by Morris on the street where he lives.
Morris, who moved in two weeks ago, said he had the signs put up after his 2-year two-year-old daughter was almost run down by a speeding car in Corona del Mar, barangay Pooc, Talisay City.
He said the signs were delivered to him at his request by Filinvest, the subdivision developer.
Morris said he conferred with lawyers of Filinvest yesterday and filed a report with the Talisay City police.
“I feel reluctant about filing a case but Filinvest told me that they will support me,” Morris said.
Moris said he would file charges of harassment, disturbing the peace and carrying an illegal weapon.
In Byron’s account, the American insulted him when he came over to remove the road barriers, and that Morris told him he was a “nobody”.
Byron said he replied, “I am a nobody but I have this,” and pulled out an AK-47 assault rifle from his pickup to show he was not intimidated.
The governor’s brother said he was the president of the homeowners association of the subdivision, and that he was acting on the complaint of some residents about the road barrier.
Although Byron said he had papers for his rifle, the PNP Firearms Explosives Security Guards and Agencies Supervisory Section (FESAGSS) said that as a civilian, he isn’t authorized to carry an AK-47 rifle.
Supt. Rex Derilo, FESAGSS chief, yesterday told reporters that the PNP doesn’t issue a permit to carry for long firearms to civilians, especially a powerful assault rifle.
Exceptions to the rule are governors, judges and government officials in executive department, he said.
Derilo said Byron may have a permit to possess the weapon, but he’s not authorized to bring it outside his home.
He said FESAGSS is waiting for the Talisay City police’s report on the incident.
He said Byron could have his gun license revoked by his action.
‘Byron acted like he was going to shoot us.’ /Candeze R. Mongaya, Reporter