THERE is no other way to describe the despicable demeanor of Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. and his congressman-son, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin. That is, based on reports on how a police officer was shamed and beaten up by these politicians.
Prior to assaulting PO3 Federico Macaya Jr., the Garins also allegedly mauled other police officers and civilians then gave the victims money in exchange for not filing cases. This information came from retired police officers in the town who are now speaking up about the physical abuse they also experienced from the Garins.
What got the Garins’ ire in Macaya’s case is that he failed to file a complaint against a resident who allegedly assaulted another resident on Dec. 22. Also, Macaya allegedly intervened by asking the victim to withdraw the complaint against the aggressor, who is a scion of a political enemy of the Garins.
But is that enough reason for the younger Garin to blow his top and vent his ire on Macaya?
Because of the Garins’ political dominion in the area for many years, they have so become power drunk they could no longer distinguish the reality of being a public servant against the fantasy of being the potentates of Guimbal, Iloilo.
What made the despicable act ironic is the fact that what the Garins did to Macaya was done in the presence of Police Senior Insp. Antonio Monreal, chief of the Guimbal municipal police station.
It is encouraging to note that not only has Monreal been relieved of his position for being a willing accomplice, but Mayor Garin’s supervision and control over the local police has also been withdrawn.
What is even more heartening is that, aside from being sued for assaulting a policeman, the Garins were forced to surrender their firearms, after their licenses were revoked. This will undoubtedly make them feel stripped of their power and influence, which is only fitting. (Jesus Sievert)