TOP REDS Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon (left) and his wife, Wilma (right), shout slogans after an inquest conducted by the Department of Justice at Camp Crame. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The government means business, and it is making sure communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and five others can’t get away.
On Thursday, the Department of Justice prosecutors approved the filing of criminal charges against top Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
This is what the Tiamzons would be fighting in court:
- Violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Republic Act 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives
Assistant Prosecutor Niven R. Canlapan said Tiamzons’ cohorts would also be charged: They are:
- Joel Enano, Arlene Panea,
- Rex Villaflor,
- Nona Castillo
- Jeosi Nepa.
They were arrested last March 22 in Cebu and the police seized a .45 caliber colt pistol, a 9 mm caliber Norinco pistol, one 9 mm caliber Kimber, two hand grenades and a .357 caliber revolver.
The DOJ prosecutor said the Tiamzons and their companions failed to show proof that they have the authority to possess the firearms.
Also, the PNP Firearms and Explosive Office issued a memorandum saying that the Tiamzons are not licensed firearm holder of any kind of caliber.
Enano, Panea, Villaflor, Castillo and Nepa will also be charged with violating RA 1829 or the Penalizing Obstruction of Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders.
The cases will be filed in Cebu.
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