Ex-lawmaker’s guns now with the police

CEBU, Philippines - The former live-in partner of former Bacolod City congressman Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. turned over several firearms and ammunition to the police, fearing that he may use the guns to harm them.

Kim Rose Tan, of legal age and a resident of Sto. Niño Village in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City, turned over to Casuntingan Police Station an MH 3 Carbine, a machine gun, two .45 caliber pistols, an Amscor .22 caliber and several magazines of long and short firearms late Thursday afternoon.

Casuntingan police chief Philip Silva said Tan, together with her family, voluntarily turned over the firearms for safekeeping.

Tan and Golez are each fighting for the custody of their three-year-old son who is presently under the care of the former legislator.

Tan fears the guns may be used against her or her family.

Silva said the firearms were turned over to them after  Tan was also able to secure a temporary protection order from the court.

He added that Tan can personally turn over the firearms to the police for safekeeping even without the permission of Golez as these firearms were acquired during the time that they were still living together.

Silva said he did not have any idea if the firearms were licensed because Tan failed to show them the documents.

However, Silva said Golez can still claim back the firearms anytime he wishes to provided he can present documents to show proof of ownership and licenses.

The firearms are now in the custody of the supply officer of the Mandaue City Police Office.  (FREEMAN)