Vice mayor slams police on arrest of brgy captain

CEBU, Philippines - Barili Vice Mayor Marlon Garcia has called as arrogant and improper the arrest of Jonas Binondo, the barangay captain of Mayana who yielded to authorities last weekend with unlicensed firearms.

Garcia said the joint team of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (IDMB-CPPO) placed Binondo under arrest allegedly without properly coordinating with the local police.

Authorities went to Binondo’s house 6:30 am last July 17 by virtue of a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras.

Garcia said if there is enough reason for Binondo to file a case against CIDG.

“Mu-blotter man gani tag naay sinumbagay kana pa ba kahang pick-a-pon sa balay og i-detain,” Garcia said, adding, he has never heard that Binondo having conflict with anyone. 

Garcia, however, would not say if Binondo is his political ally.

Police recovered a caliber .45 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun, both with serial numbers, and a caliber .357 revolver from Binondo.

Also recovered from him were two magazines, 18 live ammunition, 10 empty shells and a holster for the .45 pistols, as well as four live ammunitions for a 12-gauge shotgun, and three live ammunitions and a holster for the caliber .357 revolver.

The CIDG found that both the .45 caliber and the shotgun have memorandum receipts issued by the municipality, but Binondo failed to present pertinent documents for the cal. 357 revolver.

Binondo claimed the .357 revolver is owned by his brother, but the CIDG said Binondo can present proof before the prosecutor’s office.

Binondo said earlier politics might be behind his arrest, considering that the Barangay election is just about three months away.

He was detained at the CIDG-7 stockade, but was eventually released after posting bail.

The CIDG applied for the warrant after it conducted surveillance on Binondo who was complained of by a resident of his barangay for carrying the firearms.  — THE FREEMAN