PNP: NDFP consultant's arrest legal

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Sunday stressed that the apprehension of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Vicente Ladlad was lawful.

"We reiterate that the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines-Central Committee member and Head of its National United Front Commission Vicente Ladlad is for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition," Albayalde said.

"The confiscation of high-powered firearms and explosives in the possession of Ladlad and two others is a result of a lawful search made by the police witnessed and certified by officials of the Homeowners Association," he added.

Ladlad was arrested on Thursday in a Quezon City residential village, when police, implementing a search warrant, found a cache of firearms and explosives in his posssession.

Prior to this, Ladlad's wife, Fides, issued an apology to Albayalde because of a scene where she attempted to force her way into Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where Ladlad had undergone booking procedures.

At one point, Albayalde said Fides blocked a police mobile as she expressed her strong intent to see her husband.

Due to the incident, Albayalde said they were studying the filing of charges, specifically for obstruction of justice, against Mrs. Ladlad.

"I understand her deep concern for the well-being of her husband and as a Christian, I am inclined to graciously accept her apology," he said.

"However, I must reiterate we are a nation of laws not of men. And violations of laws has its consequences," he added.