Aides of political adviser Llamas face charges over firearms controversy

A Philippine National Police (PNP) official said the two bodyguards of presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas may face administrative charges for allegedly violating rules on handling firearms. PNP Firearms and Explosives Office head Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles said he is considering revoking the licensed firearms of the bodyguards who were allegedly found to be carrying a firearm not licensed to them. The firearm they were carrying was reportedly licensed to Llamas. "Sa firearms may pagkakamali kasi dinala ang baril di sa kanila nakapangalan," Estilles said in an interview over radio dzBB. "Kung ako ang tatanungin sa administrative liability wala akong makitang violation ni Secretary Llamas. Sa criminal liability kung sakali, ang pulis ang nagiimbestiga noon. Pero ang kanyang bodyguard tingin ko may violation," Estilles said. The row stemmed from a road accident in Quezon City involving Llamas' vehicle where a high-powered firearm was found. Llamas, who was out of the country when the incident happened, dismissed two of his staff members in the accident. According to a statement of the Office of the Political Adviser (OPA), bodyguards Joey Tecson and John Alarcon may have used the vehicle for personal purposes. The two were instructed to use the vehicle to go to Llamas' house and secure it during his absence. However, the OPA said the firearm seen in the video footage taken at the accident scene was registered and covered by a valid license. "Naka-conceal naman kasi sa ilalim ng sasakyan. Nagkaroon ng aksidente kaya nakita ng baril," Estilles said. Threats on Llamas Estilles said Llamas, who reportedly had threats to his life, was allowed to carry a high-powered firearm, saying the PNP's rules allow officials with the rank of governor and up to do so. However, Estilles explained that the permit for a high-powered firearm does not extend to the bodyguard. "Hindi pwede kasi personal yan sa kanya," he said. - VVP, GMA News