PNP up to arrested militants to prove in court evidence is planted

November 4, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is up to the arrested militant groups to prove in court if the evidence against them were planted.

Police said last October 31 around 40 members of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and 15 newly recruited individuals, of which 14 were minors, from different areas of Negros Occidental were arrested in Bacolod City.

In a separate operation, two members from Gabriela Metro Manila and Kadamay Metro Manila were arrested.

Kadamay condemned the arrest, calling it an illegal operation.

“Legitimacy is a status which they can prove during the trial if ever this will be pursued in the court. Planting of evidence, stolen items are the usual allegations when we conduct search warrant,” said PNP Officer-in-Charge Police Lt.General Archie Francisco Gamboa said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Gamboa said the law provides that operating teams were accompanied by local government units and the media who witness serving the search warrant.

“But let them prove themselves in the court if they say these are planted. Maybe if they prove in court, the case will be necessary dismissed. Otherwise, they cannot allege that,” he said.

Gamboa said the confiscated evidence will be returned to the court.

“They should answer the illegal possession of firearms and explosives,” he said.

Gamboa said they will also build-up cases that will prove arrested militant members are supporting the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“Some of the other non-government organizations pretend to be humanitarian but they are doing otherwise,” he said.

“Now they are starting to feel and to get hurt on the campaign of government to end local communist terrorist and they will continue to do so unless they stop,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS