Logger yields grenade launchers, shotgun, grenades

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A logger was arrested in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato for possession of high powered firearms, including two grenade launchers.

SOCCSKSARGEN police director Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco said suspect Romeo Desinio, 41, did not resist arrest when operatives served the warrant in his home at 5 a.m. Saturday.

Rasco said police found two M-79 grenade launchers, a 12-gauge shotgun and 12 rifle grenades (40 mm) from Desinio’s home.

Desinio who is now detained at the Sto Nino police station admitted owning the grenade launcher which he says he carries with him when he and his companions go to the forest to cut trees.

“For self-defense only,” Desinio told reporters of his unlicensed weapons cache.

Desinio adds that the carries the grenade launcher with him after New People’s Army rebels allegedly tried to extort money from him.

Desinio declined to reveal where he got his weapons from. /muf