Albayalde insists Ladlad arrested for illegal possession of firearms

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde reiterated Sunday that National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Vicente Ladlad was arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

READ: PNP confirms arrest of NDFP consultant Vic Ladlad 

“We reiterate that the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee Member and Head of its National United Front Commission Vicente Ladlad is for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition,” Albayalde said in a statement.

“The confiscation of high-powered firearms and explosives in the possession of Ladlad and two others is a result of a lawful search made by the police witnessed and certified by officials of the Homeowners Association,” he added.

Earlier, Bayan Muna denounced the “unjust” arrest of the NDFP peace consultant, saying that state forces have “planted” pieces of evidence to pin down Ladlad.

READ: Bayan Muna slams ‘unjust’ arrest of NDFP consultant

READ: Red leader’s arrest hit: ‘Evidence planted’

Albayalde said he understood the “deep concern” of Ladlad’s wife, Fides Lim, on the “wellbeing of her husband” and said that as a Christian, he is “inclined to graciously accept her apology.”

This came after Lim apologized to Albayalde after she learned that the PNP chief may file a case against her for allegedly “obstructing the legal flow of police procedures.”

READ: PNP eyes raps vs Vic Ladlad’s wife for obstructing police procedures

Lim had boldly demanded from the police to allow her to see her husband as he went through police procedures at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City last Thursday.

“I understand her deep concern for the wellbeing of her husband and as a Christian I am inclined to graciously accept her apology,” Albayalde said.

Nevertheless, the police chief said that the “violation of laws has its consequences.”

“However, I must reiterate we are a nation of laws, not of men. And violation of laws has its consequences,” he said.

Moreover, Albaylde urged all parties concerned to “seek redress in the proper forum” as it is a “right all citizens enjoy under our Constitution.”

“And now, as always, we reiterate our mandate to serve and protect every Filipino, regardless of their political beliefs,” he added.

The PNP chief also assured the public that the police is “conscientious in observing our mandate to serve and protect, as well as to uphold human rights and dignity of the accused.”

“For our country to achieve lasting peace, progress, and prosperity, we all need to work together. We once again call on the public to observe the rule the law in our everyday lives,” Albayalde added. /ee