Byron turns over rifle, vows to bolster case

Saying that he “knows the law,” former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia surrendered his AK-47 rifle to police authorities last Monday afternoon, a day after his heated confrontation with an American national in Corona del Mar subdivision in Talisay City.

Garcia said he surrendered his rifle to the Firearms, Explosives Security Guards and Agencies Supervisory Section (FESAGSS).

“I asked them to revoke my license. I know the law,” Garcia said in an interview.

Businessman  Wayne Morris said he would file charges of illegal possession  of  firearm, harassment and  disturbing the peace after Garcia  brandished  his AK-47 rifle during their encounter outside the American’s home on Sunday morning.

Garcia  removed three  “Slow Down” road signs blocking the road that the American had put up to caution motorists not to speed.

The chief of FESAGGS earlier said   Garcia risked losing his gun license because the police do not issue  permits to carry  long firearms to civilians.

Garcia said he would take his chances by citing “mitigating circumstances” in his role.

Garcia said he has many licensed firearms because he used to own a gun manufacturing company  in Danao City, which closed after he was appointed as Capitol consultant for security last 2005.

He said he is still gathering  affidavits of 10 neighbors who witnessed the incident before he would file a complaint in the Bureau of Immigration against Morris.
“Shouting at  a Filipino is a deplorable offense,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the 56-year-old Morris insulted him and tried to push him with his fingers after he tried to remove the metal barricade near the American’s home in the middle of the road.

“I just tried to stop him from saying foul words and from touching me,” Garcia said.

When asked if his sister Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia inquired him about the incident, he said some of his family expressed their support but he hadn’t heard from her.

“I’m not in speaking terms with Gwen,” Garcia said.

He said he doesn’t want to burden his family with this incident because he can still handle it on his own.

After staying below the radar for more than a year, Garcia said the confrontation may cast him in a “bad light.”

“I don’t care if I’m portrayed as a bad boy. I’m already used to it. I just want to protect the subdivision,” Garcia said.

Supt. Rex Derilo, FESAGSS chief said Garcia surrendered the rifle and his card that served as his license.

“He knows the law, that’s why he surrendered the AK-47,” Derilo said.

He said Byron failed to present his permit to carry the firearm outside his home.

Based on the license card, the rifle was registered last March 4, 2010, and will expire on July 16, 2014.

Derilo said Byron never told him why he brought the rifle outside his home.

He said since their office is concerned mainly with administrative concerns on gun holders, it is up to the Talisay City police to file charges against Byron based on their investigation.

Derilo said they are waiting on Talisay City police’s investigation to recommend whether  to revoke Byron’s license.

Derilo said Byron can only take the rifle back if his motion for appeal is granted by the Philippine National Police.

The Talisay City police said Wayne Morris has not been cooperating with their investigation. With Correspondents Chito Aragon and Gabriel C. Bonjoc