A disturbing and potentially threatening package containing wilted white roses, live ammunition, and a menacing note was delivered to the Talisay City subdivision residence of Byron Garcia, the brother of former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, on the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026. The incident has prompted a police investigation, though Garcia himself has downplayed the delivery as likely a prank by acquaintances.
Delivery Details and Contents
According to an incident report from the Corona del Mar homeowners association, the package arrived at the subdivision's guardhouse around 7:30 PM. It was contained within a simple brown paper bag, which was left at the security post. An E-bike driver, later identified as Victor Rodriguez Teleron from Sityo Auris, Barangay Pooc, delivered the item. He stated that an unidentified man wearing a face mask approached him on the street and paid him P100 to make the delivery to the subdivision.
Sinister Contents Revealed
Upon inspection, security guards discovered the bag's alarming contents. Inside were wilted white roses, seven rounds of 5.56mm ammunition compatible with an M16 rifle, and a printed copy of a photograph of Byron Garcia. The photo bore a handwritten inscription that read, "R.I.P. Mr. 'Putak'." The guards, following strict security protocols for all visitors and deliveries, immediately became suspicious and opened the package to examine it.
Response and Investigation
The guards promptly contacted Byron Garcia to inform him of the delivery and questioned the delivery driver about its origin. Subsequently, the Talisay City Police Station was notified and responded to the scene. All items from the package were turned over to the police for a thorough investigation. An official from the homeowners association noted that this was the first such incident to occur within the subdivision, highlighting its unusual nature.
Garcia's Reaction and History of Threats
Byron Garcia, while acknowledging that his family members were initially alarmed upon learning of the package, expressed a lack of personal fear. He suggested that the delivery might simply be a prank orchestrated by friends, rather than a serious death threat. Garcia referenced his past experiences, noting that this is not the first time he has received threats, particularly during his tenure managing the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). In those earlier instances, he faced intimidation from drug lords and communist groups, which he believes has hardened his response to such events.
The police investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual who commissioned the delivery and determine the intent behind the threatening package. The community remains on alert, with security measures reinforced in light of this unsettling incident.
