Iloilo lawmaker Oscar Garin Jr. surrenders 2 more guns

MANILA, Philippines — Iloilo Rep. Oscar Garin Jr., who along with his father Mayor Oscar Garin of Guimbal town were accused of beating up a police officer, surrendered two more guns yesterday.

The lawmaker’s political officer, Jason Tabag, turned over a 5.56 rifle, a caliber .22 pistol and bullets to the San Juan police, Senior Superintendent Dindo Reyes, city police chief, said.

Reyes said Senior Inspector Edwin Malabanan received the guns and ammunition for safekeeping.

The licenses of the two guns will expire on Dec. 11 this year, according to documents presented by Tabag.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde had earlier cancelled the permits and licenses of the guns owned by the Garins.

At least 19 firearms were registered under the names of the two politicians. They surrendered 14 to the Western Visayas police last week.

The elder Garin has eight registered firearms, but he surrendered only five. The three others were declared missing.

The congressman had earlier surrendered nine out of his 11 registered firearms. 

The Garins were accused of disarming and putting handcuffs on Police Officer 3 Frederico Macaya at the town plaza last Dec. 22.

 The congressman reportedly spat on Macaya’s face, punched and kicked him.

The Western Visayas police filed charges of direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injury, slander, alarm and scandal and serious illegal detention against the Garins in connection with the incident. 

Charges for conduct unbecoming of a public official, grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service were also filed against the two politicians before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he would convene the National Police Commission to remove the mayor’s deputation over the local police. The Garins were also stripped of their police escorts. 

The congressman apologized for their action, saying he and his father were only frustrated that Macaya asked a minor victim of assault not to file charges against the suspect.