Man cleared of gun raps after 7 years

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitted a man who was accused of possessing high-powered firearms in 2005.

After seven years, Thong Dalgan Kalipa was cleared of illegal possession of firearms charges filed against him.

In his order, RTC Branch 13 Judge Isaac Robillo Jr. said the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

Kalipa was arrested at a checkpoint in Panabo City on September 27, 2005 after police authorities recovered two pieces X9 UZI cal. 9 mm., one Mac 10 UZI cal. 9 mm., a magazine assembly for UZI, a steel file, a iron bar magazine molder for UZI cal 9 mm., a plier, five pieces drill bits from his possession.

The court said a witness identified as Lolito Maglacion testified that the bag that contained the firearms was left inside the jeepney after more than 20 passengers were told to disembark for inspection.

He said it was the police authorities who went inside the vehicle to inspect.

When the authorities found the bag and its contents, all the passengers were asked as to who was the owner of it, thus they were all brought to Camp Catitipan for interrogation.

"There was therefore no admission from any of the passengers that the bag belonged to him (Kalipa), contrary to the claim of prosecution witness," the court said in its order.

The court added that the testimony of the police officer who arrested Kalipa was not supported by any evidence, testimony pr documentary.

The accused was released from jail on Tuesday.