RPA-ABB members w/ guns, grenade nabbed

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — Two self-professed members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade were arrested Tuesday evening at a police checkpoint in Jaro district of this city.

Jonel Arnaiz, 39, of Barangay Simon Ledesma in Jaro, and Jayfom Brasiliño, 24, of Barangay Paho in Alimodian town of Iloilo, were found in possession of four small bags containing three .45-caliber pistols with six magazines and 49 ammunition, a .357-caliber revolver and a hand grenade.

The two were riding a pedicab when the police flagged them down at a checkpoint in Lopez Jaena Street. They claimed to be on their way home from the public market at Simon Ledesma in the city.

Asked why they have four firearms, Arnaiz and Brasiliño claimed they were for their protection, saying they “have enemies who could attack them at any time,” Senior Inspector Herbert Ballego, Jaro Police chief, quoted the two.

Arnaiz and Brasiliño were detained after they failed to present any documents to support the legality of possessing the firearms, ammunition and the grenade.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process earlier declared that being an RPA-ABB member will not spare one from criminal liability, and that he or she could not use the peace process as an excuse in lawless acts.  (FREEMAN)