Marine sergeant probed for possession of high-powered guns

Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz ordered yesterday a background investigation against a Marine sergeant caught Saturday in possession of high-powered firearms inside a condominium unit in Mandaluyong City.

De la Cruz directed Superintendent Cornelio Barrios, EPD intelligence chief to coordinate with the mother unit of Sgt. Harp Cabaluna to determine whether he is involved in criminal activities or have a derogatory record.

“We are conducting a background investigation against Cabaluna. There will be no stone left unturned in our effort to determine whether he is involved in illegal activities,” said De la Cruz in an interview.

Cabaluna is presently under custodial investigation by men of Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, Mandaluyong City police chief, after he was caught in possession of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including M15 armalite rifles, shotguns, 81-mm mortar rounds and ammunition for M-60 machinegun.

The authorities also found a container filled with chlorine and a detonating cord, suspected to be used in making C-4 explosives.

Cabaluna admitted that he owns the confiscated firearms, but claimed that he decided to store them in his room because someone might steal them inside his locker at the Philippine Marines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

The Marine sergeant said the condo unit located at the 31st floor of a building along Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong City was left under his care by the owner. “He claimed the condo unit was left under his care by the owner who is presently abroad. We are also checking that,” said De la Cruz.

During verification, police found out that most of the firearms were unlicensed.

Residents were alarmed when they saw smoke coming out from the unit occupied by Cabaluna.

De la Cruz said they are preparing illegal possession of firearms charges against Cabaluna before the Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office. – Non Alquitran