Special security. A military chopper brings Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, alleged chairman and secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines, to Toledo City for a court hearing. CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO
MILITARY officials denied overspending for the transport of the Tiamzon couple and five respondents from Manila to Cebu for their arraignment in Toledo City last Monday.
The Cebu City-based AFP Central Command (Centcom) said they actually saved on costs. Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commanding general of the Centcom, said they spent P30,000 for the aviation gas used by an air force Huey helicopter that was used to transport the Tiamzon couple and the five respondents from the Benito Ebuen Air Force Base in Lapu-Lapu City to Toledo City.
“In my opinion, we didn’t spend too much, though we may be accused of being overprotective. We in the Armed Forces were ordered to secure them and ensure that they are present for their arraignment,” Vivar said.
Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, suspected top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were arraigned on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Senior Supt. Richie Posadas, regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the Philippine National Police plans to file a motion to transfer the hearing of the Tiamzon couple from Cebu to the National Capital Region