NDF consultant, ex-priest held for guns

MANILA, Philippines — A consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) was arrested in Cavite yesterday for illegal possession of firearms. 

Renante Gamara was collared during a raid on the house of Arturo Joseph Balagat, a retired priest, in Barangay Poblacion 2, Imus.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar presented Gamara and Balagat at a press conference at the Southern Police District  headquarters in Taguig City.  

Eleazar said they conducted the raid after receiving reports that Balagat is keeping guns and harboring communist leaders. 

He said a 9mm pistol with magazine, two hand grenades and gadgets containing subversive information and P90,000 in cash were recovered from Gamara.  

Eleazar said Gamara faces charges for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Omnibus Election Code as well as illegal possession of explosives.

Eleazar said Balagat is under “further investigation.” 

Gamara was arrested in Las Piñas City in 2012 in connection with the killing of Pfc. Eriberto Eclavea in Mauban, Quezon and the murder attempt on a rebel returnee. 

He was among 12 NDF consultants freed in 2016 to participate in peace negotiations. 

Eleazar said Gamara went into hiding shortly after President Duterte terminated the peace talks on Nov. 23, 2017. 

Balagat is said to be the incumbent provincial chairman of the Cooperative Development Council of Cavite and vice chairman of the Calabarzon Regional Cooperative Development Council.