Cops trying to link captain to mutiny

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is trying to link reserve Marine Capt. Leonardo Sen to the Oakwood mutiny in Makati City last July 27.

Sen is the owner of the apartment unit raided this week by elements of the Western Police District (WPD) resulting in the discovery of several handguns, high-powered firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and Magdalo Group paraphernalia.

"Based on initial findings, the suspect’s possession of the evidence gathered is highly questionable. Why would you have a Magdalo flag, an armband, and all those firearms if he were not involved in the failed coup," Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco pointed out.

Velasco said a joint probe is being undertaken by the NCRPO, Naval Intelligence Group (NIG) and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) to determine the source of the weapons.

The Metro police chief further pointed out that the evidence recovered by the WPD is enough to merit Sen a lifetime in jail since illegal possession of a single firearm is punishable by at least 14 years imprisonment.

"Should Capt. Sen’s link to the mutineers be unquestionably established, the new raid will further bolster the rebellion charges against the other Magdalo Group members," Velasco said.

The NCRPO chief reiterated that the new raid serves to reinforce the findings of the Feliciano Commission that the July 27 mutiny was well-planned, well-organized, and was orchestrated to topple the constitutional government.

The raid at the LTS Condominium at 1346 Paz street, Paco is the third to be conducted by the NCRPO to track down possible remnants and financiers of the Oakwood mutineers.

The first two police operation were conducted in Mandaluyong City at the house owned by former actress Laarni Enriquez and at a house in Novaliches belonging to Magdalo group leader Lt. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Last Tuesday, WPD operatives raided the condominium amid reports that remnants of the Magdalo Group were hiding in the area.

When the cops arrived to investigate, they were fired upon by the suspects from the third floor, prompting them to return fire.

A team from the WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) led the assault on the building, resulting in the arrest of Sen and his five companions.