Rep. Garin, father maul cop in Iloilo town —police

A lawmaker and a mayor from Iloilo allegedly mauled a police officer in Guimbal town early Wednesday morning.

According to a police report, Iloilo 1st District Representative Oscar "Richard" Garin Jr. and his father, Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. supposedly mauled Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya, who is assigned at the Guimbal Municipal Police Station, at the town plaza around 3:20 a.m.

Macaya was allegedly summoned by the public officials — for a still undisclosed reason — before he was disarmed and handcuffed while at gunpoint. His personal belongings were also confiscated.

The Garins likewise allegedly hit the police officer in different parts of his body.

GMA News Online has reached out to Rep. Garin for comment but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Responding to the incident, Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 6 director Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said they would file charges for physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent of person in authority, and grave coercion against Rep. Garin and grave threat against Mayor Garin.

Bulalacao said he would also relieve the chief of the Guimbal police for not doing anything to help Macaya.

At the same time, Bulalacao said he has ordered the recall of the Garins' police escort, and requested the cancellation of Mayor Garin's deputation over the PNP.

"I told Cong. Garin that I'm taking this incident as an affront to me. I will not let this pass without taking action against them," he added.

Rep. Garin was supposed to run for Iloilo governor but he later withdrew his candidacy.

Rep. Garin is the husband of former Health Secretary Janette Garin. — MDM, GMA News