Masbate mayor, vice mayor summoned over firearms

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the mayor and vice mayor of Batuan town in Masbate to explain the stash of firearms seized from their property early this month.

In a subpoena issued on Feb. 19, Mayor Charmax Yuson and his father, Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson III, were ordered to answer the charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition filed against them by the police.

The DOJ investigating panel chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Josie Christina Dugay directed the Yusons to appear at the preliminary hearings of their case on March 1 and 12.

The DOJ warned the accused that failure to comply with the subpoena would mean they are waiving their rights to defense.

The complaint against the Yusons stemmed from the recovery of two rifles, two shotguns, three revolvers, a pistol, and two grenades from their house and beach resort on Feb. 13.

The raid was conducted by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group based on a warrant issued by Judge Virgilio Macaraig of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 37.