Ex-solon yields two more guns

ILOILO CITY, Philippines —  Former Guimaras Representative Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava surrendered two more firearms—a Taurus .45-caliber pistol and an AK47 rifle—to the Jordan Police Station last Wednesday afternoon, through his staff.

Senior Inspector Jeffrey Ferrer, Jordan Police chief, said the .45-caliber pistol’s license expired on November 19, 2013 while the rifle’s expired on November 19, 2014.

Nava, who was tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte on his list of “narco politicians,” on August 13 surrendered a baby armalite rifle (expiry on November 19, 2015) following the local police’s Oplan Katok.

Even before Duterte named Nava as alleged protector of illegal drugs, the former solon hugged the limelight after the said firearm registered under his name ended up in a hidden compartment of convicted drug lord Peter Co’s dwelling at the New Bilibid Prison.

In his certification, Nava said he returned the Walther PPK revolver at Nashe gunstore located at the Makati Cinema Square. He said he turned over the lower receiver of the gun, after learning that it was broken.

Nava presented an acknowledgment receipt dated July 17, 2013. He said he has no knowledge why it ended in Co’s possession, and then denied any involvement in the drug trade.

Nava’s wife Ma. Lucille Nava succeeded him in his congressional seat post.  (FREEMAN)