DOJ approves indictment of Tiamzons

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) approved the indictment of arrested Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) top leaders Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma.

In a 9-page resolution dated March 24 but released Thursday, March 27, the DOJ found probable cause in charging the husband-and-wife tandem for violating Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives Law.

The case will be filed before the proper courts in Cebu province, where they were arrested.

The two were among those arrested by joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the afternoon of March 22 in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan town.

The arresting authorities recovered from the convoy of the Tiamzons a .45 caliber Colt pistol, a 9 mm caliber pistol, a .357 caliber revolver, and two pieces of grenades without proper permits. 

“Credence can be given weight to the statements of the arresting officers who personally witnessed the search as well as possession of the respondent of said illegal firearms, ammunitions and explosives,” the resolution read.

The Tiamzons will remain in PNP custody until further orders from the Cebu court.

At large for decades, Benito Tiamzon is the alleged chairman of the CPP-New People’s Army (NPA). His wife, Wilma, is said to be the CPP-NPA secretary-general.

The 40-year-old rebel army of the CPP is Asia’s longest-running insurgency. President Benigno Aquino III was referring to the Tiamzons when he announced the impending arrest of high-profile fugitives he called “big fish.”

He also said that their arrest was a serious blow to the rebel movement. (READ: Aquino: Tiamzons’ arrest a serious blow to rebels)

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima earlier defended the legality of the alleged rebel leaders’ arrest. (READ: DOJ: Tiamzon arrest legal) – Rappler.com