NAPOLCOM suspends police power of Garin

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) 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.

The NAPOLCOM en banc headed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Eduardo M. Año issued Resolution No. 2018-768, dated December 28, 2018, which approved the withdrawal of the deputation of Garin after he pointed a gun at PO3 Federico Macaya without valid and legal justification, while his son, Iloilo Representative Richard Garin, was mauling the police officer at around 3:30 a.m. on 26 December 2018 at the Guimbal Public Plaza.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rogelio T. Casurao said that the utter disrespect to Macaya and the PNP as an institution by the mayor and congressman prompted the Office of the President to order the immediate investigation and filing of appropriate charges against the said officials.

“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,” Casurao said.

Casurao added the Commission is convinced that 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 grounds for suspension 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 removal of the deputation power of 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 Deputies, and the procedures on the suspension/withdrawal and restoration of such deputation.

Atty. Casurao said the NAPOLCOM also ordered the suspension of the duties, obligations, powers and prerogatives vested upon Garin as 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.