Armed man disrupts political meet in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - A man who introduced himself as a security aide of a Quezon City councilor disrupted a political gathering at a covered court in Barangay Payatas when he went amok and repeatedly fired his improvised pistol.

Superintendent Crisostomo Mendoza, commander of the Quezon City Police District Station 6, said Melchor Tugade, 48, went to the covered court, where District 2 Councilor Winnie Castelo and his supporters were having a meeting.

Tugade, whose improvised pistol was reportedly loaded with ammunition meant for an M-16 rifle, then started firing his gun, aiming at some residents. He claimed he had enemies in the area, but some witnesses denied this, Mendoza said.

Village watchmen failed to pacify Tugade, who allegedly continued to fire his gun.

Castelo and his supporters could not get out of the covered court, and vice mayoralty candidate Joy Belmonte – who was reportedly supposed to speak at the meeting – did not proceed to the area because of the incident.

When policemen arrived, Tugade tried to fight them off but he was eventually pacified and brought to the police station. Mendoza said Tugade was drunk during his arrest.

Mendoza said Tugade underwent inquest proceeding on charges of alarm and scandal, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, direct assault on a person in authority and violation of the election-related gun ban.