Shooting suspect faces charges

CEBU, Philippines - For waiving his right to a preliminary investigation, the accused in a drive-by shooting in Cebu City is now facing charges in court.

 Prosecutor Alex Gabud indicted Rhene Baclaan, 22, a resident of Sitio Suran, Quiot, Cebu City for illegal possession of firearms.

Several witnesses came forward and identified Baclaan as being involved in several drive-by shootings in Cebu City in the past weeks.

 Gabud said he recommended the filing of the case against Baclaan who waived his right to a preliminary investigation.

 Gabud recommended P80,000 bail for Baclaan.

 The information stated that Baclaan had in his possession one caliber 45 nickel, one caliber 45 magazine containing seven caliber 45 live ammunitions and seven empty shells of caliber 45.

 Gabud ruled that Baclaan violated the law for having the gun without securing first licenses and permits.

 The police stated in their affidavit that on February 18, 2012 they conducted a preventive patrol and anti-crime operation in response to the series of robberies and drive-by shootings in Cebu City upon the instruction of Police Chief Inspector (PCI) Romeo Santander.

 While traveling at Barangay Kinasang-an, Pardo, Cebu City particularly F. Jaca Street at 10:45 p.m., police said they saw a man standing behind a parked motorcycle beside the road “checking something on his hands.”

 “When we passed by him we actually saw a handgun on his right hand holding the handle while the other hand holding the muzzle of the gun,” the police affidavit reads.

 Police said they approached the man and asked if he had a license but instead of answering them, tried to escape. — (FREEMAN)