"Gun-for-hire" faces three criminal cases

CEBU, Philippines - Suspected gun-for-hire Arnel "Budlat" Gomez now faces three criminal charges after the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office elevated cases for illegal possession of firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia.

This after Gomez waived his right to a preliminary investigation which would have given him the chance to file his counter-affidavit and answer the allegations.

Prosecutor Simaco Labata recommended P340,000 bail for Gomez's temporary liberty.

Gomez, 34, a resident of Balagtas St., Cebu City,

On March 15, 2012 at 3:30 a.m. the accused was arrested by the SWAT team when he tried to elude a checkpoint in Colon Street.

In the joint-affidavit executed by the arresting officers, they stated that they were conducting a preventive patrol in Juana Osmeña, Colon, Cebu City when a motorcycle bearing the plate number 7272GR with a female back rider disregarded the traffic sign.

"We flagged down the said motorcycle but instead of stopping, the suspect sped away and a brief chase was made until we reached Balagtas St., Corner Panganiban. Suspect was cornered at the said area and effect the arrest," affidavit reads.

The police said they conducted a body search and recovered from the possession of the accused one .45 cal. Grand master, one silencer fit for cal. 45, one barrel for cal. 45, 12 live ammunitions, one magazine, one black widow .22 cal. Magnum and three live rounds ammunition for a .22 cal magnum.

They likewise recovered from Gomez some drug paraphernalia and 0.37 grams believed to be shabu.

Gomez was also tagged as the gunman of the couple who were shot dead in Lapu-Lapu City last week.

The Homicide Chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, Inspector Zenaido Pastofide, said two witnesses positively identified Gomez as the one who shot Petronilo Wagas and his wife Esie Villegas.

The couple was reportedly onboard their multicab when a motorcycle with two men wearing full-face helmets drove alongside and shot them.

Gomez has also been tagged in the death of a police asset and a member of the Barangay Intelligence Network last February. — Mylen P. Manto/MIT (THE FREEMAN)