MANILA – The Department of Justice Task Force on Counter-Terrorism I (DOJ-TFCT 1) on Tuesday announced a court ruling convicting two members of the Communist Party of Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in Oriental Mindoro for illegal possession of firearms.
In a new release, the DOJ-TFCT 1 said the Roxas, Mindoro Oriental Regional Trial Court Branch 43, in a decision promulgated on July 9, found Arnulfo Aumentado (a.k.a. Aryo/Inod) and Mary Joyce Lizada (a.k.a. Louise) guilty beyond reasonable doubt of unauthorized issuance of authority to carry firearm and ammunition outside of residence and illegal transfer/registration of firearms.
The Court sentenced both to one year for each crime.
“The period within which they are detained shall be credited in full should they abide by and follow the rules and regulations of the institution where they are continuously detained,” the Court said.
On April 26, 2023, Philippine Army soldiers apprehended Aumentado and Lizada in Barangay Santa Teresita, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
Recovered from them were one carbine rifle, a chamber-loaded Intratec submachine gun, one improvised hand grenade and two blasting caps.
Both initially pleaded not guilty but with the guidance of their legal counsel, eventually entered into a plea-bargain agreement.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed the DOJ TFCT team, led by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Peter Ong, for prosecuting the case which led to the conviction.
"Terrorism must have no place in society, especially under the present administration's rule, where peace and unity reigns supreme over violence or hatred," Remulla said in a statement.
“As highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address, that extermination was never part of the administration's drug war, it is but also fair to extend the same policy in the government's battle against terrorism where justice rules above meaningless fighting.” (PNA)
