Ex-cop charged for possession of explosives and firearms

CEBU, Philippines - A retired policeman is facing charges in court for illegal possession of explosives and firearms.

Prosecutor II Mary Ann Castro said probable cause exists to hold Benjamin Arconada for trial after he was found with two fragmentation hand grenades, two rifle profile grenades and seventeen 40mm high explosion rounds.

“…the said accused, with deliberate intent, and with knowledge of its existence and its explosive or incendiary character, did then and there have in his passion…a device which is capable of producing destructive effect on contiguous objects or causing injury or death to any person without being authorized by law or proper authorities and/or carry the same,” the charge sheet reads.

Arconada, 66, a resident of Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on August 9, 2014 at about 9:20 a.m. pursuant to a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Soliver Peras of the Regional Trial Court.

In their judicial affidavit, Police Supt. Fermin Armendarez III and four other police officers said they also recovered one baby armalite caliber 223-5.56mm loaded with one magazine containing 19 live ammunition and chamber loaded with one live ammunition; one caliber 9mm Ruger P94, two caliber 9mm magazines each containing 14 live ammunition; one back widow revolver caliber 22 magnum; six cuts of M16 barrel; eighty eight 12 gauge shotgun live ammunition; 192 cal 9mm live ammunition; 114 cal 38 live ammunition; 15 ca 30 live ammunition; grenades and others.

“The search was conducted in an orderly manner in the presence of Barangay Kagawad Dexter Tudtud and Barangay Tanod Noel Mayol of Barangay Talamban,” the police said, adding, an inventory of the seized items was conducted in the presence of Mayol and Tudtud and the accused.

Castro recommended a P200,000 bail for the RA 10591 case.

“The undersigned, on the basis of the unrefuted evidence of the CIDG, finds reasonable cause to merit the indictment of respondent,” Castro’s resolution reads.  (FREEMAN)