The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office is preparing charges against Cordova Mayor Arleigh Sitoy over the firearms seized from his Starex van which was parked near a fastfood chain in Lapu-Lapu City a day before the elections.
Lapu-Lapu police chief Noel Gillamac yesterday said that a case for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban and illegal possession of firearms have already been prepared against Sitoy with the guidance of provincial election officer Lionel Marco Castillano.
Upon verification with the Firearms, Explosive and Security Agencies Supervisory Section, it was found out that the 9mm pistol was registered under the name of Romerico Sitoy and will expire in December 8, 2008 while the KG-9 machine pistol was not licensed and is considered a loose firearm.
Sitoy’s father Adelino confirmed that the licensed 9mm pistol was really owned by his son whose real name was Romerico.
The third firearm seized, an M-4 “baby armalite”, was licensed in the name of SPO3 Joseph Herbert Montesclaros who is assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group -7. The license has yet to expire this November 15.
As for Montesclaros, Gillamac said that they will be requesting the Internal Affairs Service-7 to conduct administrative proceedings so he can explain how his gun ended up with Sitoy.
Monteclaros told The Freeman he will not comment on the incident upon the advice of his lawyer, but he admitted selling the gun to Sitoy.
CIDG-7 director Sr. Supt Jorge Corpuz also said Montesclaros is being investigated for the incident. —Flor Z. Perolina/BRP