Car dealer accused of smuggling charged

MANILA, Philippines - A car dealer in Cagayan de Oro City accused of smuggling a motorcycle stolen in the US has been charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Government prosecutors found probable cause to charge Lynard Allan Bigcas with violation of Republic Act No. 8294 before the Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano signed the resolution.

“A private individual may be authorized to possess one long and one short firearm at the same time. But long firearm, such as an M16 rifle, is generally allowed only for military men,” the resolution read.

In May 2011, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)  seized a magazine for an M16 rifle and 16 pieces of live ammunition during a raid on two residences of Bigcas in Barangay Talakag, Bukidnon and Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Agents also seized a shotgun and assorted ammunition, imported luxury cars and motorcycles at a warehouse of Bigcas’ relatives in Talakag.

The NBI seized an imported car and a personalized motorcycle belonging to Hollywood scriptwriter Skip Wood stolen in Houston, Texas a few years ago.

Bigcas is out on bail after earlier being charged with  smuggling before the Cagayan de Oro City Prosecutor’s Office. 

In May 2011, he was arrested for allegedly smuggling hot cars from the US.

Bigcas said he had no deed of sale for the Martin Brothers Harley Davidson motorcycle of Woods.

He had, however, shown deeds of sale for vehicles seized from his properties in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City.