Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Police to file raps vs armed farmers Tuesday
POLICE will file separate charges of illegal possession of firearms and malicious mischief before the court Tuesday against eight armed farmers who were arrested in sitio Tabuan, Barangay San Isidro in E.B. Magalona town last week.
Set to be charged at the Bacolod Hall of Justice and E.B. Magalona-Manapla Municipal Trial Circuit Court (MTCC) are Zaldy Lasalita, 44; Mariel Sabornay, 18; Joan Merculano, 18; Newton Perez, 26; Ryan Publico, 18; Fermin Sta. Ana, 22, and a 17-year-old boy, all from barangay VI, Victorias City.
Chief Inspector Samuel Mina Jr., the town's police chief, said they would file the charge for illegal possession of firearms against the suspects at the Bacolod Hall of Justice while the malicious mischief will be lodged before the E.B. Magalona-Manapla MTCC.
The charge for illegal possession of firearms was based on the recovery by the military of five shotguns from the suspects while the malicious mischief rap is with regard the suspects' act of destroying the water system facilities of the municipal government in Tabuan, explained Mina.
"We have no choice but to file these charges (today) and seek for an immediate inquest of the suspects so they would be detained while the charges against them are being heard unless they post bail for both charges for their temporary liberties," Mina explained.
The eight were arrested after they engaged military personnel in a 20-minute gunfight, injuring Sta. Ana who is still confined at the Teresita Jalandoni Memorial Provincial Hospital in Silay City due to gunshot wounds in his buttocks and ankle.
The seven others voluntarily surrendered to the Army, led by Staff Sergeant Diosdado Bergado Jr., commander of the 12th Infantry Battalion's Charlie Company based in San Isidro.
They also yielded five unlicensed shotguns, including 30 live ammunitions.
Earlier, Mina said the eight armed suspects were complained by farmers in the barangay for allegedly harassing them.
They were also pointed to as the ones responsible for the destruction of water facilities in the area. (Erwin Ambo Delilan)
