Garin makes a scene, mars Miag-ao foodfest
Iloilo -- Former First District Congressman Oscar "Oca"Garin, or his temper at least, is back in the news anew. The venue this time - Miag-ao public plaza. The occasion? The towns food festival, an ongoing activity as Miag-ao celebrates its weekong 290th Foundation Anniversary.
In an official news release, Miag-ao Mayor Gerardo Flores disclosed the early morning scene reportedly caused by the former solon turned Presidential Assistant for Agriculture.
Saying that Garin "who maybe is (sic) filthy drunk, pointed a gun to Jovito Caniban, alias Ka Gregg, a peaceful citizen, rebel returnee of good standing and successful farmer."
"The Municipality of Miag-ao is celebrating its 290th Foundation Anniversary and Salakayan Festival 2006 from February 6-12, 2006. We are very proud that not a single disturbance of peace happened for the last six (6) years. Our food fair is visited by hundreds of people everyday," the news release began while adding that such was to change because of the alleged scene caused by Garin. "As a result, the few people left at that time, scampered for safety upon seeing Oscar Garin drawing his gun. Among those who left the place were Board Member Macario Napulan, Punong Barangay Jose Eiman of Igtuba, Police Officer Pojuer F. Galaport and others."
As such, Mayor Flores hit on Garin saying he strongly condemns the incident.
"The incident of alleged drunkenness and gun pointing drastically changed the mood of our celebration from the feeling of happiness and joy to a feeling of hesitation to visit our food fair," Mayor Flores said at the same time leaving this message for the former solon, "Please do not disturb the peace at Miag-ao. I will not allow you to do it again."
The news release was accompanied by the sworn affidavit of Caniban. Verification made by The News Today disclosed of two other personalities who were placed in the scene when the incident happened. One Vilmor Noblezada, a businessman was mentioned and ILECOs Jaime Napilan.
Asked for reaction, Garin admitted that he was at the Miag-ao food festival during that time but he denied having pointed a gun to Caniban.
He said, he was having a major meeting with the Noble group led by Joerey Noble, reportedly a close relative of Flores, that morning. In fact, he said, he was busy roaming from one table to another attending to his guests and friends.
He admitted that an altercation ensued between him and Caniban's group but it was of "friendly" type. He said he was irritated by the heavy noise created by the group.
Garin said Flores might have misinterpreted the incident. He insisted that he never pointed a gun to Caniban.
Reached by The News Today through text message Board Member Napulan also denied the incident.