Garin-linked firm not allowed to provide private security services

THE security agency allegedly linked to the Garin family is not allowed to provide “bodyguard duties.”

Records from the PNP Regional Civil Service Unit 6 (RCSU-6) indicated that Executor Security Agency is only authorized to detail security guards for posting, not as security escorts to any individual.

“It was not indicated on their permit that they can deploy personal security personnel. As such, it can’t deploy personnel for protection duties. That would entail additional training, thus another permit on their part,” said Senior Superintendent Jomil John Trio, RCSU-6 chief.

Executors’ license was questioned after Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. of Guimbal and son first district Rep. Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. were accused of mauling a police officer in Guimbal town plaza on Dec 26, 2018.

While the younger Garin had two policemen security detail, reports indicated that Mayor Garin hired “bodyguards” from their family-owned security agency.

But Executor’s papers did not indicate that the Garins owned the agency.

Based on their application record, the agency’s sole proprietor is a certain Roberto G. Gierza with office address at Block 213, Granada Street, Guimbal, Iloilo.

Executor’s link with the Garins is with its general manager, Lex Anthony Cris Colada. He could be the same Atty. Lex Colada, husband of one of Mayor Garin’s daughters.

The agency was granted a temporary license to operate on Dec. 28, 2018, two days after the supposed mauling incident.

Chief Supt. Reynaldo Biay, acting chief of the PNP Civil Security Group, signed the temporary license to operate.

Trio clarified, though, that officers of Executor have longed applied for a license but it was only granted before the yearend.

The agency’s registration said it has 70 uniformed security guards, thus the temporary license to operate.

“For the agency to get out from its temporary status, it must employ at least 200 security guards,” Trio said.

Executor has until July 31, 2019 to comply with the personnel requirement.

If it complies, it can secure a permit that is valid until July 31, 2020.

However, not a single firearm was registered in Executor’s name.

If there is proof that Mayor Garin hired Executor guards as personal security aides, the firm’s license could be revoked.

“Once proven, it could be a ground for the revocation of their license. It must be noted that their permit is a privilege rather than a right. It could be taken back when a violation is committed,” he said.

Aside from Executor, another company linked to the Garins is Executrix Security Agency.

However, its license to operate ended on March 28, 2018 and was issued a cease to operate order.

The owner of the firm is a certain Anthony Villanueva Jr.

Following the expiration of its permit, Executrix surrendered 32 firearms in April, June, and December 2018.

Trio said Executrix still has to surrender five firearms.