No politics in DILG raps vs. Garins: Año

He said the DILG has already filed criminal cases of direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injuries, slander by deed, alarm and scandal, and serious illegal detention against the Garins. (PNA file photo)

MANILA — There should be no talk of partisanship or politicking in the cases filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) against Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and his father, Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin, for allegedly mauling a police officer, Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday.

“Ang gusto nating ipakita dito (What we want to show here is that) no one is above the law. Kahit anong posisyon mo sa government (Whatever your position is in government), whether you are a small ordinary citizen or you are a high-level government official, pare-parehas lang tayo sa batas (we are all the same in the eyes of the law),” Año said in a press conference on the sidelines of the 2018 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award, held at the Manila Hotel.

He said the DILG has already filed criminal cases of direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injuries, slander by deed, alarm and scandal, and serious illegal detention against the Garins.

Administrative cases have also been filed at the Ombudsman for grave misconduct, oppression, abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public, he added.

“We will not tolerate that kind of abuse of authority and arrogance on display of power. Kung may pagkakamali man ang police officer (If the policeman committed any wrongdoing), there are so many bodies that can investigate the policeman but you do not beat up and humiliate a police officer in front of the public,” Año said.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom), he said, is also discussing the removal of Mayor Garin’s authority over the local police.

“We cannot entrust (in) his hand the PNP (Philippine National Police) unit. We cannot be sure of his actuations and behavior,” Año said.