Man sued for carrying gun, wearing military uniform

CEBU, Philippines -  A civilian is now facing criminal charges after he was caught carrying a gun without a license to carry it and wearing a military uniform in the mountain barangay of Cebu City on Thursday.

Allan Matugas, 35, a resident of Sitio Mawmawan, Babag, Cebu City is facing charges before the City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Republic Act 8294 or illegal possession of firearms and Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code or illegal use of uniform.

In his affidavit, SPO1 Romeo Cabrera, assigned at Cebu City Public Safety Company of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said he was walking in the area around 7:30 p.m. on his way home to Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City when he saw a man wearing a military uniform and carrying a shotgun walking down the street in Sitio Mawmawan.

Cabrera said he immediately approached the man and commanded him to voluntarily surrender the firearm to him to which the latter obeyed.

Matugas handed over the firearm together with the four live ammunitions to the police officer.

Cabrera asked Matugas if he is a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) particularly the Philippine Army as he was wearing a military uniform in public but Matugas answered in negative.

The policeman added he also asked Matugas if he has document authorizing him to carry the 12-gauge shotgun but Matugas replied no.

Because of these, Cabrera said he arrested the suspect and brought him to CCPO for proper disposition and filing of charges. — (FREEMAN)