Two men indicted for illegal possession of weapons, drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted two men who were arrested near the Talisay City Fish Port for illegal possession of deadly weapons and illegal drugs.

State Prosecutor Jenelyn Forrosuelo held Richard Leyson, 30, a resident of Ormoc City, Leyte, and Jake Perez, 29, of Lapu-Lapu City for trial after finding probable cause.

Leyson and Perez were arrested on July 27, 2014 onboard a pump boat near the docking area of San Roque, Mambaling, Cebu City by the Capitol’s Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force with the coordination of Naval Forces Central.

Loy Anthony Madrigal, team leader of the Capitol’s Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force earlier said that he was informed that a pump boat near the Talisay City Fish Fort was believed to have been carrying “contrabands.”

Madrigal then coordinated with the Navforcen’s station in Lapu-Lapu City so they could verify what was being carried by the boat.

Their group recovered eight blasting caps believed to be used for illegal fishing, a box containing dried marijuana, two riffles, a .22 caliber pistol and an undetermined firearm.

Leyson and Perez earlier denied owning the seized evidences and the boat. They claimed they were only hired by their neighbor to check on the propeller of the boat.

During the inquest proceeding, Leyson and Perez opted not to file their respective counter-affidavits to negate the allegations filed against them before the Prosecutor’s Office. Instead, they said they will face the charges in court.

Forrosuelo recommended bail of P120,000 for Leyson and Perez’ temporary liberty for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and another P40,000 for illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

However, the two were charged for a non-bailable offense for violation of illegal possession of explosives and no bail for transporting drugs.  (FREEMAN)