Persons bearing arms not tied to military

POLICE authorities yesterday denied claims by six persons who were arrested at the Mactan Cebu International Airport last Wednesday that they were military reservists.

PO2 William Vilvestre, investigator of the Police Center for Aviation Security (PCAS-7), told Cebu Daily News that the military’s Central Command confirmed to them that they didn’t issue ID cards to the six arrested persons.

Vilvestre said the six persons didn’t receive any appointment from MCIA general maanger Nigel Paul Villarete.

He also disputed their claims that they were at the airport to fetch their guest from Manila.

Joeribe Comendador, 38; Edwin Adolacion, 45; Asher Picondo, 39; Genaro Estoque, 40; and Julia Dela Cruz, 40, will be charged with illegal possession of firearm and illegal use of uniforms and insignia.

Another suspect, 39-year-old Tirso Mag-aso, will be charged with illegal use of uniform and insignia.

They arrived in the airport bearing firearms and were about to secure an ID to the MCIAA building when airport personnel noticed and had them arrested.

Vilvestre said they are verifying reports that the six persons were members of the cult Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA). Comendador denied being a cult member and said he doesn’t know if his colleagues were.

The charges will be filed against them at the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutors’ Office this Monday. Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza