Duterte to DILG: File assault raps vs Garins

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government should file charges against two Iloilo politicians accused of beating up a police officer.

President Duterte issued the directive, saying first district Rep. Oscar Garin Jr. and his father Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. of Guimbal town should face charges for direct assault.

“If the policeman did something wrong, it’s not a reason to beat him up... They will have to file the case.. direct assault,” the President told reporters during his visit to the wake of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe in Daraga, Albay on Wednesday night.

The President warned politicians against resorting to “political terrorism” to intimidate their rivals.

”He could be a mayor, he could be a governor. He could be just angry. But that is not the way to do it,” the President said.

“I will go to your house, whether you are a mayor or governor. I will go to your house and slap you. I will show the people you’re just a piece of...,” Duterte added.

The Western Visayas police had earlier said it would file charges for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against a person in authority and grave coercion against the congressman. A complaint against the elder Garin for grave threat is also being readied.

The Garins reportedly disarmed and handcuffed Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya while the congressman spat on his face, punched and kicked him.

Macaya suffered injuries, including a bruise on his left eye. 

The congressman reportedly accused Macaya of convincing a minor victim of an assault not to file a case against the suspect, a son of a Sangguniang Bayan member.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the police escorts of the congressman have been recalled, adding that the deputation of the mayor over the police would be removed.

“I will not allow this kind of abuse of authority and physical assault against a police officer,” Año said.

Gun permits revoked

Philippine National Police   (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he also ordered the cancellation of the gun licenses and permits issued to the Garins following the incident.

Albayalde said Section 39 of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition allows the PNP to revoke, cancel or suspend gun licenses and permits when a crime involving firearms was committed.

Reports said the elder Garin also pointed a gun at Macaya and fired a shot in the air.   – With Emmanuel Tupas