Acting guv deploys bodyguards for administrator

CEBU Acting Governor Agnes Magpale requested two bodyguards for Provincial Aministrator Eduardo Habin on Wednesday after the latter was allegedly threatened by Byron Garcia, brother and former consultant of Governor Gwen Garcia on Monday, January 7.

According to Habin, Byron confronted him with a high tone, questioning his refusal to step down from his position being co-terminus of Governor Garcia, who was suspended by the Office of the President for grave abuse of authority.

“Mo serbisyo ko, I want to serve the province of Cebu,” Habin said.

He said he will not give more statements because he does not want the story to get bigger.

However, contrary to Habin’s claim, Byron said in a separate interview that he did not raise his voice, adding his voice is naturally loud.

Byron said his visitation was not a form of threat but rather a reminder.

He said Habin should have told Acting Governor Magpale during their meeting with other department heads that he has to resign because he is co-terminus with Governor Garcia.

“Ako igsoon gyud ko masakitan ko kay I was there kon giunsa sya pag-agak ni ‘daddy’ og giunsa siya pag-agal ni Gwen, bisan retire na siya,” Byron said, as he expressed his disappointment on Habin’s absence of support toward the Garcias.

“Wa bay utang kabubut-on sa usa ka tawo,” he added.

When asked on his message for Habin, Byron said: “Please show to the people of Cebu and please show to the employees of Capitol nga aduna kay delikadesa.”

Earlier, Byron challenged Police Regional Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. to a fistfight, after reports that the governor would be forced to leave her office.

Both Chief Superintendent Garbo and Acting Governor Magpale downplayed Byron’s pronouncements. (Jolina Ylaya and Nera Mariz Puyo, USJR MassCom Interns/Sunnex)