Councilor claims gun was planted

CEBU, Philippines - The town councilor in Carmen who was arrested by the police for alleged possession of a loose firearm Tuesday afternoon cried foul over what he said were wrong accusations against him and said he will file charges against the police.

Councilor James Camara, of Barangay Poblacion, claimed that the KG-9 automatic machine pistol with 16 live rounds allegedly confiscated from him was planted by the police as he does not own such a high-powered firearm. He said he only has a licensed .38 cal. revolver.

Camara owns a lot in Barangay Ipil which he has been protecting from thieves.

“My farm should be protected every time naa ko didto,” he told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

He also clarified that he was not driving his multicab with license plate numbers YKY 535 during his arrest due to eye problems and it was his driver, Rogelio Santillan, who was driving at that time. Together with him were his cousins, Dr. Maria Paz Singson, the doctor’s husband Rene Cuaresma; Engr. Alfonso Camara, Nicholas Camara and Antonio Camara.

“Of all the seven, ako ra ang giaresto nila and it was not me who was driving,” he said, adding that he was dragged out of the vehicle and illegally arrested without any warrant.

Camara’s lawyer is now studying what possible charges can be filed against Carmen police  Chief Insp. Alvin Balio and his team.

However, in a separate interview, Balio said that Camara has the right to file charges and that he is willing to face him in court.

Balio added that when they approached Camara, the latter tried to resist arrest which prompted him to get hold of him and there was no dragging that happened.

“Giyak-an ni niya ang armas unya gipasabot ni nako pero ni-aksyon man ug palayo maong akong gigunitan pero dili ingon gibunlot,” Balio said.

Balio further said he has no reason to ruin Camara’s reputation because he did not know him and it was the first time they met.

“Adtong higayuna lang mi gaabot kato ra pud ko kabalo nga konsehal siya wa pud mi gaaway,” he said.

Camara was arrested at a checkpoint on the national road in Barangay Ipil after he was allegedly seen by PO3 Roger Delan armed with a firearm.

After his arrest, Camara was taken to the Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City where he is still confined after suffering from high blood pressure.  (FREEMAN)