Gun charges vs Negros activists dismissed

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Bacolod Regional Trial Court Judge Eduardo Sayson has dismissed the charges for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act filed against six activists arrested in simultaneous raids in this city on Oct. 31.

In a three-page decision dated Jan. 3, Sayson ordered the release of Roberto Lachica, Romulo Bitoon and his wife Mermalyn, Albert de la Cerna, Noly Rosales and Proceso Quiatzon.

However, Capt. Cenon Pancito III, spokesman for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the activists are facing charges for illegal possession of explosives and could not be released.

The six were among 57 persons arrested in the raids. Thirteen minors were also rescued.

Lachica is on out on bail while the five other activists are detained at the Negros Occidental district jail, according to Karapatan Negros secretary-general Clarizza Singson-Dagatan.

Sayson said the Bacolod City prosecutor’s office failed to submit the application for a search warrant, affidavit of witnesses and transcript of stenographic notes with searching questions and answers, 64 days after the activists were arrested.

He said the cases should be remanded to the prosecutor’s office for “regular” preliminary investigation.