DOJ finds probable cause to charge Tiamzon couple with illegal possession of firearms

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): DOJ finds probable cause to charge Tiamzon couple with illegal possession of firearms

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found probable cause to charge with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and six other suspected rebels, who were with the couple when they were arrested last March 22 in Cebu.

In a nine-page inquest resolution, the DOJ said there is enough evidence to charge the respondents with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and R.A. 9561 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives Law.

The DOJ gave weight to the statements of the arresting officers that the Tiamzons and their companions had in their possessions a .45-caliber pistol, a revolver, two 9-millimeter pistols, grenade, and ammunition when they were arrested.

“When required to show their authority to possess said confiscated firearms, ammunitions and explosives, the Tiamzons failed to provide the arresting officers with their authority,” the inquest resolution said.

Through the resolution, the DOJ ordered the Philippine National Police through its Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City "to take custody of the said respondents until there is a lawful order coming from the proper courts in the province of Cebu."

The six other individuals facing charges are Joel Enano, Rex Villaflor, Nona Castillo, Jeosi Nepa, Arlene Panea, and Jose Villaflor. They are also recommended to be charged with obstruction of justice when they allegedly tried to prevent the arrest of the Tiamzons.

Benito and Wilma are also facing multiple murder charges.

A warrant was issued for their arrest in connection to the discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte by the military in 2006 containing the remains of 15 civilians, who were killed allegedly upon Benito’s order in 1985 while he was the secretary general of the CPP’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83631/doj-finds-probable-cause-to-charge-tiamzon-couple-with-illegal-possession-of-firearms