Retired police sued for guns, explosives

CEBU, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 has filed criminal complaints before the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor against a retired police officer who was arrested with firearms and explosives.

Benjamin Arconada of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City is fa-cing charges for violation Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 or the illegal possession of explosives.

During inquest proceeding,  Arconada manifested to answer the allegations filed against him before the prosecutor’s office.

The complaints were handled by Assistant City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

Arconada was arrested on August 9 after CIDG-7 operatives found from his residence a caliber 223-5.56 baby armalite, a caliber .9mm pistol, a black widow caliber .22 magnum, two fragmentation grenades and two hand grenades.

The raiding team was armed with a search warrant issued  by  Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Soliver Peras of Branch 10.

The suspect was subjected to a month-long surveillance after police received reports about him allegedly brandishing firearms in the barangay.

The operatives also recovered 17 pieces of 40 mm high explosives rounds, 88 12-gauge shotgun live ammunition, 20 short magazines, and several live ammunition from his house.

Based on the  report,  the  CIDG-7 confirmed from the Firearms Explosive Security Guards and Agencies Supervisory Section that the respondent has neither applied nor issued licenses. (FREEMAN)