DOJ orders raps vs. NDF consultant, release of ex-priest

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28, 2019): DOJ orders raps vs. NDF consultant, release of ex-priest

State prosecutors have ordered criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms against National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Renante Gamara.

In a resolution issued Thursday, the Department of Justice Task Force on Special Cases recommended that charges be filed against Gamara for violation of Section 28 (Unlawful Possession of Firearms) of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Gamara, along with former priest Arturo Balagat, were arrested in Imus, Cavite for illegal possession of firearms last March 20 by elements of the PNP Regional Special Operations Unit (PNP-RSOU) during a raid, which yielded two grenades, a pistol (Parabellum 9mm serial number R66954), ammunition, documents, and PHP90,000 cash.

The two suspects have a standing arrest warrant issued by Judge Cynthia R. Marino-Ricablanca of the Sta Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court.

However, the DOJ ordered Balagat's release. The former priest and Gamara are presently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

The DOJ resolution, signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz Jr. and Associate Prosecution Attorney Miguel Flores, was approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon.

The prosecutors said that since Balagat's participation in the firearms possession has not been clearly established, he is "ordered released from custody unless detained for some other legal grounds".
They also recommended the dropping of charges of violation of election gun ban against the suspects, noting that the pistol was found in Gamara's room and not in his possession.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065877