Raps filed vs sis-in-law of cop in illegal firecracker case

MANILA, Philippines—Charges have been filed against the sister-in-law of a policeman who is the alleged owner of an illegal firecracker stall raided by policemen in Quezon City last week.

Indicted on charges of illegal possession of a bladed weapon and violation of Republic Act 7183 regulating the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers is Hanna Maoten-Shiekdugar.

Assistant City Prosecutor Edwin Valdez recommended further investigation of the charges against Police Officer 1 Faisal Mala, 33, of murder, frustrated murder and violation of RA 7183.

Both Mala and his sister-in-law were subjected to inquest proceedings last Friday, a day after a police team sent to raid Mala’s firecracker stall in Fairview was fired upon in what police say was an ambush.

A policeman, PO2 Bernardo Quintero, died after being ambushed by eight men who, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said, included Mala, while PO2 Jessie Adajar, was wounded.

The QCPD said they have witnesses who pointed to Mala as having been among the gunmen who allegedly fired on the police team, a charge that the policeman denied.

Both Mala and Shiekdugar are detained at the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit. Chief Inspector Rodelio Marcelo said Mala will remain in their custody during the preliminary investigation of his cases.

In a resolution released by the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office, Assistant City Prosecutor Edwin Valdez recommended a bail of P2,000 for each of Shiekdugar’s cases.

Because of the common evidence to be presented, the cases will be consolidated and tried by a Quezon City judge.

Records showed that the cases against Shiekdugar have been filed with the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court.

The complaint for murder, frustrated murder and violation of RA 7183 against Mala were deemed set for further investigation after Mala’s lawyer moved for it.

The preliminary investigations are set for January 9 and 12.

The QCPD said three policemen from the Fairview police station, which conducted the inspection of the illegal firecracker stall, pointed to Mala as one of the gunmen.

The stall was allegedly operating without a permit to sell and store firecrackers.