A day after a Mandaue City court ordered his arrest, former Cebu Capitol consultant Byron Garcia was taken into custody Thursday, June 11, in connection with three alleged violations of the Safe Spaces Act.
Garcia, a public figure in Cebu and brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, was arrested following the issuance of a warrant by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 1 in Mandaue City.
Court records showed that Garcia is facing three counts of alleged gender-based sexual harassment under Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.
Judge Jennifer M. Pepito-Maniwang issued the warrant on June 10 after finding probable cause to proceed with the criminal complaints.
The court directed law enforcement officers to arrest Garcia at his listed residence in Corona del Mar Subdivision, Barangay Pooc, Talisay City, or wherever he may be found.
“You are hereby commanded to arrest Byron Fiel Garcia… and bring him forthwith before me to be dealt with according to law,” the warrant stated.
The court recommended bail of P108,000 for the three charges.
Records showed that the amount may be posted through cash bail, property bond, corporate surety bond, or recognizance, subject to existing court rules.
The warrant also directed arresting officers to comply with Supreme Court guidelines on the execution of warrants, including the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices as required under Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC.
Authorities subsequently served the warrant on Thursday, leading to Garcia’s arrest.
Following his arrest, Garcia told reporters that he had no knowledge of the allegations against him.
“From start to finish, wa koy kalibutan. Unya any further questions ako pang hunahunaon (From start to finish, I have no knowledge, and for any further questions, I will still have to think about it),” Garcia said.
He later confirmed seeing the warrant and identified the complainant.
“O, nakakita ko sa warrant, ang anak ni Pamela ba kanang Elisse Nicole (Yes, I saw the warrant. The complainant is Pamela’s daughter, Elisse Nicole),” he said.
The latest case adds to Garcia’s ongoing legal troubles.
Last month, he appeared before Regional Trial Court Branch 83 in Mandaue City and pleaded not guilty to a cyberlibel complaint filed by Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr.
The cyberlibel case stemmed from allegations that Garcia posted videos on social media that allegedly damaged Vizcayno’s reputation.
Prior to his arraignment on May 13, the court denied Garcia’s motions to suspend proceedings and seek a reinvestigation, allowing the arraignment and pre-trial to proceed as scheduled.
File photo
Comments