Ex-councilman charged for firearm possession

A case for illegal gun possession was filed in court against a former barangay councilman of Banilad from whose residence the police seized assorted firearms in during a police raid last Thursday.

Aniceto Ocampo, 59, was indicted for violation of the Republic Act 8294, otherwise known as illegal possession of firearms. The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office recommended P80,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

The FREEMAN noted, however, that even if there were five firearms recovered by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, only one case was filed by the prosecutor’s office against Ocampo in court.

CIDG operatives swooped down on Ocampo’s house at Ouano Compound, barangay Banilad Thursday morning on the strength of a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Geraldine Faith Econg.

The police recovered one caliber 30 carbine rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, one .9 millimeter pistol, one .22 caliber Winchester rifle and one .357 caliber revolver. Several magazines and assorted ammunitions were also seized by the authorities.

CIDG officials said they received complaints that Ocampo would often fire his firearm indiscriminately.

Ocampo admitted ownership of the two pistols but said he does not know where the other firearms came from. He said the two rifles and a revolver were found on the ground floor of the house he was renting. — Fred P. Languido/LPM