2 NPA rebels in Mindoro get 2 years each for illegal possession of firearms

A COURT in Mindoro Oriental has convicted two members of the communist New People’s Army for illegal possession of firearms and sentenced them to two years each.

Roxas, Mindoro Oriental Branch 43 Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Jose Real Jr. handed the verdict against Arnuldo Aumentado and Joyce Lizada.

The two were arrested by Army troopers belonging to the 4th Infantry Battalion in Sta. Teresita, Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental on April 26, 2023.

Recovered from them were a Carbine rifle, an Intratec submachine gun, one improvised hand grenade and two pieces of blasting caps.

The two initially pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges of illegal possession of firearms but later changed their plea in return for lesser offenses.

The Philippine Army and the prosecution gave their consent to the plea bargain.

The court rendered its judgement last July 9 finding Aumentado and Lizada “guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”