Madrigal begs to keep issued guns

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol Security Chief Loy Anthony Madrigal has appealed for the Cebu Provincial Government to not take back yet the firearms issued to him because of alleged threats against his life.

The Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) has already forwarded to Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino a memorandum recalling all government properties issued to Madrigal, including the vehicle that figured in an accident in Bogo City last Sunday.

Madrigal said that though he has not received the memorandum he would willingly turn over the properties.

He, however, is asking for an extension until such time that he is able to purchase his own gun.

“My concern now is my personal safety. I am already at risk. I have death threats because of my duty. Vulnerable na kaayo ko ron kung makuhaan ko’g armas. Hayahay na kaayo tong mga daotang tawo (I would be very vulnerable if my guns are taken away. My enemies would have an easy time taking me out),” he told The FREEMAN.

In a statement over radio dyLA, Madrigal admitted having a sidearm, a shotgun, and a sub-machine gun issued by the Capitol.

Bernard Calderon, assistant PGSO officer, said the vehicles issued to Madrigal were two motorcycles, a KIA K2700 double cab pickup, and a Mitsubishi Strada. It was the Strada that hit couples Felix Mirambel and his wife Marites while they were riding a motorcycle in Bogo City last Sunday.

Following the accident, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III ordered a 15-day preventive suspension on Madrigal. Implementation of the order would depend on Tolentino as Madrigal is on a 20-day leave starting Monday, September 15.

The Strada was driven by Alberto Naraja, 45, a resident of Barangay Canagahan, San Remigio town.  Davide last Tuesday said Naraja is not a Capitol employee, which could put Madrigal into more trouble.

Madrigal, though, contradicted the governor, saying Naraja has been receiving payment from the Capitol as outsourced employee.

He said Naraja replaced his driver, who resigned as casual employee of the Capitol.

Madrigal said that because of “budget constraints,” Naraja was “temporarily” hired.

When the accident happened last Sunday, Madrigal said they were on their way to the San Remigio Police Station to report the presence of two men who were allegedly tailing them.

He believed that those who threatened his life were mostly big commercial fishers who bore him a grudge after being apprehended by him during his anti-illegal fishing operations.

“Daghang mangawala nila kung madakpan labi na og file-lan og kaso.  Di na man sila kapanagat. Moabot og half million mawala kada adlaw, mao na nga mangasuko gyod sila kaayo nako,” Madrigal said.

Meanwhile, relatives and eldest daughter of Felix and Marites went to Capitol yesterday to seek assistance for the victims’ hospital expenses, particularly for the leg operation of Marites, who needs four bags of type B+ blood.

Assistant Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rose Jao assured them that the province would shoulder all hospital expenses.  They also received funeral assistance, two sacks of rice, and canned goods.

Leslie Niña Mirambel, 19, said they would file criminal charges against Naraja for the death of her father and injuries to his mother after Marites’ leg gets operated on.—/RHM (FREEMAN)