By Vann Marlo M. Villegas, Reporter
THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has indicted National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Renante M. Gamara for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
In a resolution dated March 25, the DoJ Task Force on Special Cases said probable cause exists to charge Mr. Gamara with violation of Section 28 of Republic Act 10591 or Unlawful Possession of Firearms.
“It is clearly established by the joint affidavit of the arrest and seizure by the RSOU (Regional Special Operations Unit) operatives that the firearms and ammunitions were found inside the room occupied and under the control of respondent Gamara,” the DoJ said.
“Furthermore, the result of the firearms verification from PNP-FEO (Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office) confirmed that respondent Gamara is not a licensed/registered firearm holder nor is he authorized to possess firearms of any kind/calibre as well as ammunitions,” it added.
Mr. Gamara and retired priest Arturo Joseph M. Balagat were arrested by the PNP-RSOU on March 20 after the execution of a Search Warrant at the premises of Mr. Balagat in Imus City, Cavite.
Police seized in a room occupied by Mr. Gamara subversive documents and a Parabellum 9mm, loaded with one standard magazine with 12 rounds of calibre 9mm live ammunitions.
He was also indicted for violation of Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1866 as he was found in possession of two live hand grenades.
But a complaint against Mr. Gandara on violation of Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code was dismissed as the “firearms and ammunitions were not seized in a public place but inside the room of respondent Gamara.”
The Omnibus Election Code prohibits carrying of firearms only outside of one’s residence or place of business.
Meanwhile, complaints against Mr. Balagat were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.
“What is clear is that he cannot be said to have been in possession of the seized firearm, ammunitions and explosives whether in actual or constructive capacity,” the prosecution stated.
Mr. Gamara was first arrested in 2012 in Las Piñas City for charges of kidnapping and the murder of soldier Eriberto Eclavea in Quezon Province.
