By Chito Chavez
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has formally ordered the withdrawal of the deputation as Napolcom representative and the suspension of police power of Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin for abuse of authority.
Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya Jr. holds a copy of the criminal and administrative complaints filed against Iloilo 1st District Rep. Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. and Mayor Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr. of Guimbal town, Iloilo province. (Tara Yap / MANILA BULLETIN)
Napolcom’s en banc, headed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and Napolcom Chairman Eduardo M. Año, issued Resolution No. 2018-768 which called for the withdrawal of the deputation of Garin.
Investigation showed that Garin pointed a gun at PO3 Federico Macaya while his son Iloilo Rep. Richard Garin proceeded to maul the hapless police officer at about 3:30 a.m. on December 26, 2018 at Guimbal Public Plaza.
Napolcom Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rogelio T. Casurao said the decision was made after the probe concluded the utter disrespect to Macaya and the PNP shown by the father and son tandem.
The incident prompted the Office of the President to order the immediate investigation and filing of appropriate charges against the Garins.
Casurao added “the premised on the pronouncement made by the Office of the President, and pursuant to its authority to initiate a motu propio investigation of a local chief executive (LCE) for the purpose of determining the necessity of suspending or withdrawing the latter’s deputation, the commission was convinced that Mayor Garin abused his authority as Napolcom deputy which serves as a valid ground to suspend or withdraw his deputation under Section 65 of Republic Act No. 8551 (PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998). The other three (3) grounds are frequent unauthorized absences, engaging in acts inimical to national security or which negate the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign, and providing material support to criminal elements’’.
“The withdrawal of Mayor Garin’s authority as deputized representative of the Commission is the most prudent action that the NAPOLCOM can take to ensure the credible and unbiased conduct of investigation on the mauling of PO3 Macaya,” he added.
The removal of the deputation power of Mayor Garin was approved pursuant to the provisions of Section 65 of R.A. 8551 and Napolcom memorandum circular No. 99-010, as amended by MC 2001-003, which prescribes the guidelines in the exercise of delegated powers of LCEs over the local police units as Napolcom’s deputies, and the procedures on the suspension/withdrawal and restoration of such deputation.
Casurao said that the commission also ordered the suspension of the duties, obligations, powers, and prerogatives vested upon Mayor Garin as a deputized Napolcom representative.
Under Section 51 (b) of R.A. 6975 (PNP Law) and Section 64 of R.A. 8551, LCEs are empowered to inspect police forces and units, conduct audit, and exercise other functions as may be authorized by the commission.