By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga 

Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. confirmed yesterday that the office had ordered an additional 60-day preventive suspension against two personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) for grave misconduct.

Nellas said the suspended personnel were Engineer Jimbo Garsula, agricultural engineering head under OPA, and Engineer German Abihay for the procurement of grain dryers that lack some parts or instruments.

The suspension orders took effect last November 7.

According to Nellas, the case happened in 2017.

“That is why it took some time as we had verified our records and come up with the case,” Nellas said.

The concerned officials had moved for the payment of the machines despite its status.

Nellas explained the machines were lacking in parts or instruments procured in 2017 and were only received in 2022. 

“Definitely a substantial amount was involved,” he said.

He emphasized that Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson had conformed with their findings.

The two officials were among the five OPA officials and employees that were charged for grave misconduct and misuse of government property and were meted a 60-day preventive suspension on August 25, after they had a drinking session in the province’s Victorias City while on official travel on July 15, 2022./DGB, WDJ