PCG files charges vs. captain, crew of vessel with illegal firearms, drugs

PCG files charges vs. captain, crew of vessel with illegal firearms, drugs
Raymund Antonio September 20, 2018 https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/20/pcg-files-charges-vs-captain-crew-of-v...

The Philippine Coast Guard filed charges against the ship captain and three crew members of LCT “Valentino Dos” for illegal transport of firearms and drugs aboard the cargo vessel that was headed to Rosario, Cavite from Tayug, Cebu last week.

An unmanisfested passenger, identified as Police Supt. Jose Matnao Liddawa Jr., was also charged for illegal possession of firearms.

The PCG said on Thursday the prohibited drugs and unregistered firearms were found during the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) it conducted on the vessel last September 6 and 12.

A caliber .40 Jericho pistol with five empty .45 caliber ammunition and two empty M16 rifle magazines were found inside the cabin of Captain Emmanuel Vicedo.

The PCG team also recovered two unregistered firearms hidden under the water bilge near the ship’s engine.

LCT Valentino Dos was inspected by the Coast Guard while the vessel was headed to Rosario, Cavite from Tayug, Cebu.

The PCG said the ship captain identified Liddawa as the owner of the unregistered firearms.

Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were also recovered inside the cabin of the vessel’s crewmen namely Ramil Archin, chief mate; Erbert John De Juan, second mate; and Noel Keith Bernabat, working mate.

They were all charged with illegal possession of firearms and drugs, along with their ship captain and Liddawa.

The five personalities arrested by PCG had already undergone inquest proceedings at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, but they were later released.