Ex-Nadsu spokesman Hugo arrested for gun possession

Alex Hugo, the former spokesman of Nagkahiusang Drayber sa Sugbo (Nadsu), was arrested by the operatives of the police Regional Mobile Group-7 for illegal possession of firearms in Argao town yesterday morning.

Hugo, 51, a resident of barangay Gutlang, Argao, was arrested based on the search warrant issued by Judge Geraldine Faith Econg of Regional Trial Court Branch 9 in Cebu City.

RMG-7 chief Senior Supt. Jesus Gaquing and Police Supt. Herman Lungayan of Cebu Provincial Mobile Group served the warrant for Hugo’s arrest, which was witnessed by barangay chief tanod Nestor Capadngan and tanod Rogelio Sarona.

The police confiscated from Hugo’s possession one M14 rifle replica and one .45 caliber paltik pistol with one magazine and some ammunitions.

“He was monitored by this group basing on the reports of his and his group’s sightings in several barangays in Argao and other areas in the mid-south of Cebu,” Gaquing said, adding that Hugo is identified with the NPA.

Hugo has reportedly replaced Jigger Geverola, who is now detained at the Camp Lapu-Lapu detention cell, as secretary of front committee of the NPA in Cebu.  

Gaquing also revealed that Hugo took part in the NPA encounter with the Philippine Army elements in barangay Magsilaw, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental last March.

Hugo has pending warrant of arrest for violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 or the anti-illegal logging law.

The police have filed in court charges for violation of R.A. 8294 or illegal possession of firearms against Hugo, who is now detained at the Argao Police Station. — Garry B. Lao/LPM