6 guns issued to ex-Capitol workers not returned

CEBU, Philippines - Six firearms issued to two former Capitol officials who left service in 2013 remain unaccounted for until now, the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) disclosed yesterday.

PGSO records show that five .38 caliber pistols issued to Edwin Mixdon, former executive assistant of then governor and current Cebu third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, have not yet been turned over to the Capitol. Mixdon resigned two years ago.

Tess Redoble, Property Manager of the PGSO, said Mixdon signed the Acknowledgement Receipt of Equipment and assigned the firearms to Garcia’s security personnel, some of whom are members of the Philippine National Police who are no longer based in the province.

“Si Edwin Mixdon gyud ang accountable kay siya man chief. Actually, wa na sa iyaha ang mga armas pero siya man ang nagpirma,” Redoble said, adding, “He (Mixdon) has to pay for it, which worth P28,000.”

Redoble disclosed that one of the police officers reported having lost the Capitol-issued gun. Redoble said, however, that she forgot the cop’s name. She said the matter is now being investigated.

One other firearm issued to former Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre has also yet to be returned.

Salubre was dismissed from service upon the order the Office of the Ombudsman after he, together with three others, were found guilty of grave misconduct over the purchase of the controversial 24.9-hectare Balili property worth P98.9 million.

Redoble noted that the province has sent “uncountable” demand letters to the former officials for the return of the items but to no avail.

The PGSO also forwarded a report on the matter to the Office of the Governor for further action. Redoble said the firearms in question will be included in a property “re-inventory” report to be submitted to the Commission on Audit. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/JMO (FREEMAN)