Tunisian, Filipina deny charges of illegal possession of guns, explosives

February 28, 2018

A Tunisian suspected of belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has asked the Department of Justice on Wednesday to dismiss charges  of illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices filed against him and his Filipina partner for lack of evidence.

Fehmi Lassqued and Anabel Salipada denied the allegations in separate counter-affidavits filed through public attorneys.

Lassqued disputed the police's report that he and Salipada were arrested inside his apartment in Manila  where several improvised explosive devices and a firearm were found.

He said he was at the Ayala Triangle Tower One at the Makati City's central business district when arrested by police last Feb. 16.

"I don't know the reason why I am being arrested by the police officers. I was shocked to know later at the inquest that I am being charged for violations of Republic Act No. 10591 and R.A. 9516 (laws on illegal possession of firearms and explosives, respectively)," his affidavit stated.

"I don't own and I don't have in my possession those items allegedly recovered specifically the gun, bullets and the alleged ammunitions. I just saw it for the first (time) during the inquest proceedings already," Lassqued said.

Investigating Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong has submitted the case for resolution. DMS