CHARGED. The inquest of the 42 suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army members at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters led by Prosecutor Ferdinand Castro of the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4, 2019). The respondents, arrested in four search warrant operations on Oct. 31, have been charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (Contributed Photo)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has filed cases for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against 42 suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members arrested in four operations in this city on October 31.
On Monday afternoon, the respondents, detained at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. here, underwent inquest proceeding conducted by Prosecutor Ferdinand Castro of the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said on Tuesday that with the cases filed, those charged will now have the opportunity to defend themselves.
He added that the process has been expedited and the inquest has been conducted only on the 14th hour of the 36-hour of the reglementary period, excluding the holidays.
The City Prosecutor’s Office is expected to release the recommendation on Wednesday since Tuesday is a special non-working holiday in this city in observance of the 121st Negros Day.
Charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act are Albert De la Cerna, John Milton Lozande, Noly Lacera Rosales, Proceso Quiatzon, Mario Estrobo Aguelan Jr., Richard Sajo, Richre Paparon Remada, Geovanie Pollentes Morad, Mark Anthony Tagaytayan Olaera, Ernie Rebias Escoltor, Joey Plaza Micmic, Jessie Ryan Hecita Doza, Charlie Alintoson Lozada, Ernesto Judiadan Dodoyco Jr., Randy Domadiego Agbones, Junelle Jusal Miraflor, Gerry Magbanua Lacson, Marlito Apunan Escaner, Eddie Fernandez Ibon, Joedelmar Anfory Tano, and Jecards Austero Jamero.
Others include Jemar Rojo Santellan, Ashly Mark Sanong Antes, Jefherdy Gewon Alipoton, Richard Mag-aso Escada, Rolando Bilches De los Reyes, John Carlo Larbo Capanas, Glanie Guimbal Hambre, Mario Ayo Tambiga, Joebert Lozada Belarmino, Ramil Gonzales Ayco, Jefherd Genon Alipoon, Joelito Telebrico Sumaque, Esmael Asplico Lorca, Jessie Taasan Badonasa, Cherryl Cantero Catalogo, Karina Mae Naluis De la Cerna, Mermalyn Mendieta Bito-on, Romulo Tapalla Bito-on, Mary Anne Villasica Krueger, Danilo Nacario Tabura, and Roberto Dorio Lachica.
Also charged with violation of RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives are the same 41 respondents, except for Krueger.
Eleven of the 42 are considered as high-value individuals (HVIs), including the Bito-on couple, the two de La Cernas, Krueger, Lozande, Rosales, Quiatzon, Lachica, Tabura and Catalogo.
A certain Diego Malacad, who was earlier reported to have been apprehended, was excluded in the final list of those arrested and charged. It was confirmed later that he was not around during the raid in Barangay Bata and was in the hospital, but his bag which contained his identification card was found in the said location.
Pancito said another case for violation of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act will be filed next on Wednesday against the de la Cernas, Lozande, Rosales, Quiatzon and Catalogo, after 13 minors were also found with them during the raid in Barangay Bata.
During the raids conducted in four areas occupied by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Gabriela, Anakpawis and National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), police and military operatives seized 32 firearms, 130 rounds of ammunition, and five explosives.
The four search warrants for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law were issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89. (PNA)
