Teens held for gun possession released

Three of the four teenagers arrested for possession of high-powered firearms the other day have been released and were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because they are minors.

Senior Inspector Roberto Razon, head of the Quezon City Police District Station 6 intelligence unit, said one of the teenagers remanded to DSWD and James Artesano, 18, who remains detained by police, were also wanted for three counts of murder.

Murder charges were filed on October 10 against Artesano and the other minor for the death of Lobreo Imata, who was gunned down along Sto. Domingo Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, in April of this year, said Chief Insp. Elmer Monsalve, QCPD homicide section head.

Another murder case was also filed against Artesano last October 25 after he was identified as the gunman in the killing of Napoleon Aquino also in Barangay (village) Holy Spirit on September 4.

Along with Aquino, Commission on Audit lawyer Rizal Cimaru, and Quezon City Hall employee Edwin Tating were allegedly killed by Artesano’s gang that same night.