The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the conviction of a suspected member of the Maute terrorist group for illegal possession of an explosive device, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday, August 12.
In a statement, the DOJ said affirmed by the CA was the conviction of Nasifa Pundug who was held liable for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1866 in a decision handed down by the Taguig City regional trial court (RTC).
"This court ruling is another testament of the State's zealousness in administering the law, proving yet again that evil shall never triumph over justice," said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla.
“Pundug’s conviction is a big boost in the government’s fight against terrorism,” Remulla also said.
The DOJ said that the CA ruling, written by Associate Justice Maximo M. De Leon, stated: "All told, the prosecution has established all the elements of the crime charged beyond reasonable doubt.”
It said the appellate court also ruled: "Nasifa’s defense of denial failed to overcome the prosecution’s evidence, especially the testimonies of prosecution witnesses."
Citing case records, the DOJ said that Pundug was among eight suspected Maute members aboard a red Toyota Tamaraw FX who was arrested on Aug. 22, 2016 at a checkpoint in Barangay Butig in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur by members of the Philippine Army who found in their possession materials for making an explosive device, a pipe bomb, a hand grenade, an 81mm mortar ammunition, and a pistol. Pundug’s children was also with her.
"Pundug's bag was also discovered to contain one (1) blasting cap,” It said.