PNP respects court's junking of gun raps vs Lady Ann Salem

The Philippine National Police said on Saturday that it respected the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court's dismissal of the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against journalist Lady Ann Salem and her co-accused Rodrigo Esparago.

Nevertheless, the PNP would continue looking for evidence that would stand up in court.

"That's how our justice system works po. Police file the case with evidence at hand, the prosecutor analyzes if there is probable cause, the court will decide whether the evidence presented is admissible or not," PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana told GMA News Online in a text message.

Usana added that the dismissal of the charges against Salem and Esparago by the court proved that the country's justice system worked.

"As for the police, the investigators will just have to move on and continue collecting evidence so that it may stand in court with the end in view of protecting our people from the lawless and serving the primacy of justice in our country," said the PNP spokesman.

Salem and Esparago would be released after the court issues its order.

As the country celebrated International Human Rights Day on December 10, Salem was arrested at her house in Mandaluyong City.

In a ten-page ruling, Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio ruled that there was no probable cause to issue the search warrants on Salem and Esparago's residence.

Records showed that the testimonies of witnesses who alleged the erstwhile accused's crime were full of inconsistencies and contradictions.

Authorities said they confiscated four .45 caliber pistols, four grenades, four .45 caliber magazines, and 29 rounds of .45 ammunition, among other items, from Salem and Esparago's residence. — DVM, GMA News