Mabugat returns to the Capitol
After some six months into retirement from government service and six months away from the Capitol, retired Police Senior Superintendent Juan Mabugat made a comeback yesterday.
This time entering the Capitol building premises via the backdoor, Senior Supt. Mabugat did so in his capacity as an invited guest. A sole Capitol security acknowledged the entry of Mabugat who sources said, made a quick glance on former superior, Governor Niel Tupas Sr. and aide, Manuel Mejorada.
Mabugat's arrival coincided with a program held at the Capitol lobby.
With at least 7 years in provincial government employ, his last stint was warden of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo. He was also known to be one of the more favored provincial directors of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO).
It was in October 2007 though when Mabugat tendered his irrevocable resignation that eventually cut-off his ties with Tupas.
As such, his Capitol comeback was in a different capacity albeit related to IRC operations. Senior Supt. Mabugat's presence signaled the start of yesterday's committee hearing conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Security.
Committee chair, First District Richard Garin spoke with members of the Capitol press present saying the initial hearing will be off-limits to media.
The invite on Mabugat is expected to help the committee come up with policy reforms to improve IRC operations. The SP probe was triggered by the February stabbing incident involving three inmates. A case for frustrated murder was filed by the Pototan Police against inmates Cornelio Huesca and Joemari Desilao. Victim was 44 year-old rape suspect Ronald Lorica.
How does it feel then to be back in the Capitol? The quick reply of Senior Supt. Mabugat was in full candor saying, "Ok. The usual." Pressed further with a query on whether a comeback in an official capacity is possible, Senior Supt. Mabugat replied, "Yes if given the chance, but no, not in this administration."
The former warden's reply elicited laughter from board members present. Vice Governor Rolex Suplico jokingly added that Mabugat having seated himself right next to him has nothing to do with said assertion at all.