The Mabalacat City Office of the Prosecutor (MCOP) will file charges against two informal settlers in Clark Freeport for illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition.

INFORMAL SETTLERS

This was revealed in a resolution issued by MCOP indicating that they have “found probable cause to indict Ruben Rosero and Marlyn Mallari for violation of Republic Act 10591” or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Rosero and Mallari were found in possession of a one M1 carbine (rifle) loaded with 13 live ammunition when they were asked to vacate a 6.5 hectares’ government property at Sitio Bana in Mabalacat City. The said area, which they illegally occupied, is owned by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and managed by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

An Order to Vacate was initially issued by CDC to Rosero and Mallari last November 15, 2021. However, during the implementation and operation of the order, CDC Estate Preservation and Recovery Division (EPRD) officers, along with CDC Public Safety Division (PSD) security personnel and other CDC officers recovered the said firearms and ammunition from the makeshift structure of Rosero and Mallari. Aside from the rifle and ammunition, airguns and improvised ‘boga’ (bamboo cannon) were also found.

CDC then forwarded a complaint to MCOP with evidence, report, and receipt of the recovered materials. Requests for ballistic examination, spot report, and firearms verification were also asked by the state-owned firm.

A preliminary investigation was also conducted. However, only the complainant appeared during the said event while Romero and Mallari were a no-show and did not submit any counter affidavit. MCOP then resolved to file cases against the two respondents in court.