AN ALLEGED supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested for illegal possession of firearm and explosive during a police checkpoint in Barangay Langub, Escalante City, Negros Occidental Friday, April 5.

Police identified the suspect as Fransisco Laza, 53, of Barangay Buenavista.

Laza was flagged down by policemen after he was allegedly speeding on board a motorcycle, police records showed.

However, he ignored the checkpoint and fled, prompting authorities to pursue him.

He was later arrested after he fell from his motorcycle.

Police recovered from Laza’s possession a .38 caliber revolver loaded with five live ammunition, an apple-type hand grenade, a backpack, three streamers with phrases: “Mabuhay ang ika-50th anniversary nang NPA,” “NPA 50-Roselyn Jean Pelle Command,” and “Danao River Fishermen Association (Darifa);” poster of Anak Pawis Partylist, and other subversive documents.

He is detained at Escalante City Police Station as police prepare charges for illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of explosive, violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban, and resisting arrest.

Meanwhile, the Hustisya - Negros Oriental with Justice for Simultaneous Enhanced Managing Police Operations (Sempo) Victims Movement strongly condemned the “illegal arrest” and detention of Laza, Darifa chairman.

The group alleged that the recovered items were maliciously planted at his house and the house of his companion who was also reportedly arrested. (GYM)