Operatives of the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 yesterday arrested an officer of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources of Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental, allegedly for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as Earth Day celebration was being marked by environmentalists.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Anita Guanzon-Chua, RIU 6 operatives led by SPO1 Joshua Barile swooped down on the house of MENRO Elmo Amit, 46, at Purok Mabuhay in Brgy. Pandanon, Salvador Benedicto past 1 a.m. yesterday.

Barile said the raid yielded a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine containing ammunition, a homemade shotgun, locally known as “sulpak”, assorted live ammunition for various caliber of guns, and seven empty magazines of M-16 assault rifle.

Amit was immediately charged yesterday for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Negros Occidental by his captors.

Barile said the raid was an offshoot of complaints that Amit possesses guns, and allegedly fired his firearm indiscriminately.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Amit described the raid at his residence as plain and simple harassment, and said that his .45 caliber pistol is duly licensed, although it expired February 24 this year. He said that he is now renewing their licenses.

Amit also claimed that he is being singled out, being a partymate of Salvador Benedicto Mayor Jomax Ortiz, and that those who had witnessed against him are drug dependents.

He said his counsel is now working for his bail.

Amit, who has been actively involved in the anti-illegal logging campaign, has served as the Salvador Benedicto MENRO for almost three years now.

Before his arrest, Amit said he also received death threats.

The raid at his residence was in coordination with the Salvador Benedicto Police Station, now headed by Senior Inspector Jesus Mesahon, former Hinobaan police chief.*GPB

back to top