Cebu labor leader nabbed in Cavite

CEBU, Philippines – A labor leader who has been wanted in Cebu for illegal possession of explosives and firearms was arrested by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 in Cavite last Sunday.

Antonio "Tony" Cuizon, former leader of the employees union of Atlas Mining Corporation in Toledo City, was arrested at his residence in Barangay Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, Cavite by virtue of an alias warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 29 Judge Ruben Altubar in Toledo City.

Superintendent Fermin Armendarez III, deputy chief of CIDG-7, said Cuizon's arrest was a product of almost a month surveillance operation.

The case stemmed from a raid in his house in Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City last year where the police found explosives and unlicensed firearms. Cuizon, however, denied owning the explosives and firearms. He was not also around during the raid.

Cuizon used to be the leader of Panaghiusa sa mga Mamumuo sa Carmen-Association of Genuine Labor Organization and a former national council member of Kilusang Mayo Uno.

In 2005, Cuizon survived in an ambush in Barangay Uling, Naga City.

Cuizon was turned over to the court yesterday which issued a commitment order against him to be detained at the Toledo City Jail.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty on the charge for possession of explosives while P80,000 bail was recommended for illegal possession of firearms. – /FPL (FREEMAN)