Man who chased tow personnel with gun faces charges in court

CEBU, Philippines – A criminal complaint for illegal possession of firearm was filed in court against the man who chased members of the One Stop Towing Services with his handgun when his multicab was towed last Saturday morning.

Facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8294 is Oliver Cabonelas Chua, 37, a resident of Doña Maria Village I in barangay Punta Princesa.

Assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Eulogio Borres Jr. recommended P30,000 bail for Chua’s temporary liberty.

The recommendation, which Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon approved, was way below the P80,000 ideal minimum bail for illegal possession of firearms as set in the prosecutor’s bail bond guide issued in 2000 by then Justice Secretary Artemio Tuquero.

Prosecutors use the same guide in recommending bail for an accused.

Chua was caught by members of the Cebu City Traffic Police last Saturday morning for running after the employees of the One Stop Towing Services with his caliber .45 pistol.

Chua got irked when his multicab, which he porked along Salvador Street in barangay Labangon was towed. Using his other vehicle, Chua then chased the towing personnel and blocked the towing truck.

In turn, the towing personnel sought assistance from the traffic police. Elements of the Mobile Patrol Group also responded to the incident.

Chua was placed under arrest after he failed to present documents to prove that he legally possessed the firearm. – Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)