Byron, American neighbor may settle conflict

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Police is set to file a case before the city prosecutors’ office against former Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia for carrying a firearm sans permit.

The case stemmed from the incident last Sept 18 in Corona del Mar subdivision following an altercation with American national Wayne Morris which reportedly led to Byron’s brandishing of his Ak-47 assault rifle.

“Byron opened the door to the rear cab of his pick-up truck and drew from inside the vehicle an Ak-47 assault rifle loaded with a banana type magazine while saying, “Oh, yeah? I may be a nobody but I have this,” read a portion of Moriss’ affidavit which was sworn in last Sept. 22 before city prosecutor Marshal Rubia.

Byron allegedly brandished his rifle in front of Morris after the latter placed speed bumps to slow down traffic in front of his house.

Garcia later surrendered the said rifle to the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Police Regional Office–7after a certification issued to the city police by Police Sr. Supt Alex Botes Sintin, chief of Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) secretariat, stated that the said AK-47 assault rifle “has not been” issued a PTC by said office.

PCInsp. Rodrigo Benedicto Sacramento, chief of PNP records section, also said the same.

The police was supposed to file the complaint before the fiscal’s office yesterday but SPO1 Joel Rosales, crime investigator, said it was denied as there was no affidavit from Supt. Rex Derilo who heads the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Garcia and his American neighbor, Morris, may possibly result to an amicable settlement as both are scheduled to appear in the mediation proceedings before the barangay captain of Pooc, Talisay City on October 10.

Garcia, in a phone interview with The FREEMAN, said that barangay captain Doroteo Emit told him that Wayne Morris wanted to settle the conflict amicably.

He charged Morris for unjust vexation before the office of the barangay captain ahead of Morris who also filed grave threats and grave coercion charges against Garcia.

Morris earlier decided to go through the mediation process and won’t pursue the filing of charges against Garcia just yet, which made land developer Filinvest and Talisay City police unhappy.

With this development, Garcia said he is also willing to forgive Morris.

Garcia earlier planned to report Morris to the Bureau of Immigration for disrespecting the Filipinos.

He said that Morris can be deported even if he already has a family with his Filipina wife here.

Morris’ willingness to reach an amicable settlement has changed Garcia’s mind on his earlier plan to file a deportation complaint before the BI.

Garcia is also unfazed by reports that the police will be charging him for illegal possession of high-powered firearms saying he is licensed to possess it.

He reportedly brought his rifle outside his residence, to scare Morris, without the appropriate permit to carry. Garcia added that if the case is filed and he will be convicted, a 30-day imprisonment will be imposed for the light offense but he can apply for probation.  (FREEMAN)