Two broadcasters arrested for guns ordered released

The two blocktime radio commentators arrested by the police for illegal possession of firearms last Friday were released upon the order of the Mandaue City Prosecutors Office for insufficient evidence.

Based on the resolution released by first assistant city prosecutor Beinvenido Mabanto Jr. the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 failed to present sufficient evidence against Ruperto Navasca and Roberto Juanico for illegal possession of firearms.

The CIDG-7 said that they received a call from a woman who identified herself as Noreen. The woman reported that two men, who claimed to be members of the CIDG, flagged down their cargo truck loaded with rice.

The police filed the case against the two for bringing a .45 cal. pistol and a .38 cal. revolver when they were apprehended in barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City. But they were unable to file charges of robbery-extortion against the two after the complainant did not come to their office to file a formal complaint and prove the alleged use of the CIDG's name.

The two showed to the police a copy of their gun licenses but failed to show their Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence.

But during the filing of the case C/Insp. Fermin Armendares said the two were able to present a letter order signed by 701st Maritime police station chief Ranulfo Sebusa telling them to conduct surveillance and monitoring against illegal drugs and smuggling in the area of Mandaue City, but the CIDG noticed that the order did not say if they will be allowed to carry firearms.

Sebusa was also the name Navasca used in introducing himself to CIDG operatives.

According to Armendares the order legalizes the guns Navasca and Juanico were carrying since they were authorized by an authorized office and were given a mission to follow.

Armendares said they will refer the matter to their legal counsel, Inocencio de la Cerna, for legal remedy so they can continue the case.

Earlier, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano defended the two saying they were his consultants in the campaign against illegal drugs in the city. - Edwin Ian Melecio