CIDG-6 seeks reconsideration on release of 31 activists

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-6 filed a motion for reconsideration before the City Prosecutor’s Office Thursday to appeal its earlier decision to release 31 civilians arrested in a series of raids here two weeks ago.

Last week, Prosecutor Fiscal Fernand Castro dismissed the two criminal complaints for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and illegal possession of explosives filed against 31 persons believed to be members of some progressive groups here for lack of probable cause.

The prosecutor ordered their release after he noted that the presence of these individuals at the premises of the militant groups’ offices was only “incidental.”

In its motion for consideration, CIDG-6 claimed that conspiracy existed between and among the individuals who were arrested during the implementation of the search warrants issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert.

It also said that there is probable cause to indict the arrested persons for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives.

Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the motion was filed within the 10-day period given by the prosecutor.

“This is our legal remedy and both parties are allowed to file a motion within 10 days,” he said.

Pancito said their lawyers believed that there is probable cause to indict the respondents.

“May pananagutan sila kasi parang may conspiracy na nangyari,” he added.

These 31 persons were arrested at the office of Kilusang Mayo Uno at Barangay Bata last October 31.

Pancito said they will wait for the prosecutor to render his decision on the motion.

“If it’s favorable, then we will file charges against these 31 persons, but if not, we will respect the prosecutor’s final decision,” he added.