Gun complaint vs. Mabini mayor submitted for resolution

The complaint for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Mabini Mayor Nilo Villanueva and his brothers has been submitted for resolution, a lawyer said Monday.

Cipriano Asilo, the mayor’s lawyer, issued the remark in an ambush interview following the inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice.

“Hindi po siya nag-waive ng detention on Article 125 so ‘yun pong inquest proceeding ngayon ay submitted na for resolution,” Asilo said.

(He did not waive his detention on Article 125 so the inquest proceeding today was submitted for resolution.)

“[W]e did not present any controverting evidence. The case will be resolved based on the evidence and documentary evidence presented by the searching officers,” he later added.

Due to this, Asilo said the three would remain under the custody of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Villanueva was arrested on Saturday morning at his home in Villanueva Compound, Sitio Silangan, Barangay Sto. Tomas in Mabini, Batangas for possession of firearms and explosives.

Meanwhile, his brothers, Bayani and Oliver, were nabbed in separate operations.

According to Asilo, the firearms retrieved from the mayor's house were licensed.

However, he refused to comment when asked about the explosives allegedly found by authorities.

He said there are legal remedies available once the inquest resolution has been issued.

“So based on procedure, kapag po natanggap namin yung inquest resolution, whatever would be the result, whether it is for filing ng information or pwede din po maging release for further investigation,” he said.

(Based on the procedure, once we receive the inquest resolution, whatever would be the result, whether it is for filing of information or for release for further investigation.)

Sought for comment, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reminded other public officials to keep their gun licenses updated.

“Well, keep your licenses updated. If you have illegal firearms, surrender them… make sure that you have only possessed the legal firearms and that your licenses are updated,” he said.

Remulla said the government is being careful in its handling of private armed groups.

“Isa kasi sa gusto natin ingatan ngayon ‘yung private armed groups at umiiwas lang tayo sa mga gulo na nangyayari sa Pilipinas,” the Secretary said.

“Kaya ‘yung mga nag babalak na maghasik ng lagim sa barangay elections ay mag isip-isip sila kasi nakabantay po ang mga alagad ng batas. Nakabantay din ang DOJ sa mga ganitong gawain. Gusto natin kapayapaan lang, payapa ang mga election natin,” he added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News