Court charges vs. woodcraft trader

CEBU, Philippines - Prosecutors have elevated to court formal charges against the businesswoman who was found with several firearms at her woodcraft shop in San Roque, Talisay City.

Prosecutor Jenelyn Forrosuelo recommended a bail of P60,000 for Jovita Bacalso, 46. Forrosuelo said Bacalso did not avail of her right to a preliminary investigation.

Police implemented the search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras at Bacalso’s woodcraft shop early morning on October 12. The search yielded one 9mm submachine gun (Ingram) with long magazine loaded with four live ammos, one .22 caliber revolver loaded with five ammos, one .45 caliber pistol and three magazines loaded with five live ammos, six live ammos, four live ammos for .45 caliber.

Police also recovered a .38 caliber revolver from one of Bacalso’s workers, Rey Gakanay, who allegedly pointed his gun at the cops who tried to open Bacalso’s woodcraft shop.

The team leader, P/Insp. Hugo Rio Ipong said Gakanay fired at them even after they introduced themselves as policemen. This resulted to an exchange of fire during which Gakanay was hit on his feet.

Gakanay was brought to the Talisay City District Hospital and was transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for further medication.

Except for the .22 revolver which she said is owned by her husband, Bacalso denied ownership of the other seized firearms. (FREEMAN)