Ilocos Norte town mayor’s office padlocked

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The mayor’s office of Bangui town in Ilocos Norte was padlocked on Thursday to prevent the entry of Mayor Diosdado Garvida, who refused to step down despite his suspension. 

Garvida was suspended for six months effective Nov. 14. Vice Mayor Fidel Cimatu was named acting mayor, but he has yet to secure an order from Gov. Imee Marcos. 

Garvida was charged with gross misconduct, disloyalty to the republic, grave abuse of authority and oppression for allegedly firing a gun when he tried to stop a quarry operation near the Bolo River in Barangay Taguipuro last March. 

Garvida was also accused of poking his gun at Kremlin Alupay, the owner of the lot where the sand excavation was taking place.