NBI-10 nabs high profile smuggling suspect for illegal possession of firearms

Friday 26th of August 2011

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 26 (PIA) – Smuggling suspect Lynard Allan Bigcas has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), here, and has been turned-over to the proper authorities.

He was arrested, exactly a week after a Warrant of Arrest (WOA) for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunitions was issued by Judge Jose U. Yamut, Sr. of the Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 11, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, last Aug. 18.

Bigcas was socializing with friends at Rhodelsa Circle, near the alternate bridge, here, when apprehended, said Atty. Wenceslao Galendez, NBI-10 Investigation Agent, said.

Per the WOA signed by Judge Yamut, the bail for Bigcas’ release is fixed at Php80,000 which maybe furnished by the accused, either by depositing the amount with the nearest collector of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or provincial, city or municipal treasurer, in accordance with Section 14 ( cash bail).

He can also do it by furnishing a bond approved by the RTC Judge, in accordance with Section 19 (corporate surety) and Section 11 (property bond) of Rule 114 of the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure.

It can be recalled that last May 3, joint operatives of NBI, P Philippine National police (PNP) and USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the warehouse in Talakag, Bukidnon, owned by a certain Rober the Omullon wherein 19 cars and motorcycles were successfully recovered from the premises.

The raid was made on the strength of a Search Warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Talakag, Bukidnon, after which, another operation was simultaneously conducted on the rented house of Bigcas in Barangay Kauwsagan, this city, where 10 more cars and motorcycles, including some firearms and ammunitions, were found.

Subsequently, last May 9, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the recovered cars and motorcycles, thereby, acquiring jurisdiction over them.

A congressional inquiry was, thereafter, conducted on the alleged smuggling activities of Bigcas chaired by Cong. Rodolfo Fariñas.

However, Bigcas testified that he brought all the imported motorcycles through “Balikbayan” boxes, thereby, evading the payment of taxes and duties.

He was also required to present proof of his ownership over the confiscated motorcycles. As to the MV’s, Bigcas alleged that he acquired all of them locally.

Last May 19, a case of smuggling was filed by the BOC against Bigcas before the City Prosecutors of CDO and the Province of Bukidnon.

The Bukidnon case was later withdrawn and filed at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Manila. However, the CDO case remains to be heard by the City Prosecutor’s Office here in the city.

In close coordination with BOC-X, NBI-10 is conducting an in-depth investigation on the alleged smuggling activities of Bigcas in CDO.(RCA/PIA-10)