Ex-Batangas vice governor charged with assault

MANILA, Philippines — Police on Monday filed charges against former Batangas vice governor Ricky Recto after he was caught with firearms when he was arrested in Pasig City on Sunday in connection with an assault.

A security official said yesterday the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) lodged complaints against Recto for direct assault against an agent of a person in authority and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The official said the charges were filed before the Pasig prosecutor’s office.

Recto was apprehended during an implementation of a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding said the operation stemmed from the complaint of the former government official’s girlfriend for violation of RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and their Children Act in relation to RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The ACG did not mention Recto’s name in its statement, but a security official who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was the former provincial governor who was arrested.

Apart from digital devices, police also seized a 12-gauge shotgun, two 9mm handguns, a .25-caliber handgun and a .40-caliber pistol from Recto.

While the search was ongoing, Recto allegedly attacked and wounded a police officer.

Recto was brought to the ACG head office at Camp Crame in Quezon City, where he was booked.