CIDG ARRESTS CAVITE COUNCILOR, 3 OTHERS
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director MGen. Leo Francisco announced on May 12 the arrest of four persons including a municipal councilor here for possession of illegal weapons and explosives.
“This is part of our stepped-up effort to account for loose firearms and other weapons in the country through our Oplan: Paglalansag Omega which is aimed at neutralizing private armed groups and seizing their illegal guns,” said Francisco.
The CIDG director identified the suspects as Maria Theresa Puno, a 58-year-old municipal councilor of Naic; her husband Joselito, a 59-year-old vlogger; and companions Jerone Gabelo, 36; and Jonard Adan, 35.
They were arrested inside the Puno’s residence in Barangay Timalan Balsahan by operatives from the CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Before they were arrested, two search warrants for the violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 signed by Judge Glenda Mendoza-Ramos of the Calamba City Regional Trial Court Branch 36 were issued to the couple.
Recovered during the raid were four hand grenades, one M16 Elisco rifle, one Glock 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol, one caliber .45 Colt MK4 Series 80 semiautomatic pistol and two 12 gauge shotguns without serial numbers.
Also seized by the raiding team were several rounds of live ammunition of various calibers.
The suspects are now being investigated at the CIDG-SDFU office pending the filing of non-bailable charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against them.
The arrested councilor, meanwhile, has filed complaints for robbery, malicious mischief, threat and usurpation of authority against the raiding team.
Puno claimed that a group of civilians claiming to be police officers took advantage of the situation by entering her residence, destroying her personal belongings, and forcibly confiscating valuable items not related to warrants.
The CIDG, on the other hand, insisted that the operation was legitimate and no rules were broken by the raiding team.