DOJ submits case vs NDF consultant, retired priest for resolution

Photos from NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the criminal complaint filed against the National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant and the retired priest arrested in Cavite Thursday.

NDF consultant Renante Gamara and retired priests Arturo Joseph Balagat were taken to the DOJ to undergo inquest proceedings for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosive.

DOJ Assistant State Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz conducted the inquest proceeding. An inquest is a summary proceeding to inform the suspects, or the subject of a warrantless arrest, of the nature of the complaint against them.

Gamara and Balagat were arrested following a raid conducted by the police at the latter’s house in Barangay Poblacion 2, Imus, Cavite last Thursday after they received reports that the retired priest was reportedly keeping guns and harboring communist leaders.

READ: NDF consultant, retired priest nabbed in Cavite

Confiscated from the suspects were a 9mm pistol with magazine, two hand grenades, and gadgets containing subversive information and P90,000 cash.

Gamara was previously arrested in 2012 in connection with the killing of Pfc. Eriberto Eclavea in Mauban, Quezon and the murder attempt on a rebel returnee.

He was among the 12 NDF consultants freed in 2016 to participate in the peace negotiations. /ee