Drunk biker faces slew of criminal raps

MANILA, Philippines - A motorcycle driver arrested Friday night faces charges ranging from violating traffic rules to carrying a gun.

Fernando Peligria, 34, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions, violation of Omnibus Election Code for bringing a gun, driving without a helmet and a license, driving under the influence of liquor, and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority. He is being detained at the Caloocan City Jail.

Investigators said Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Gabriel and his colleagues were patrolling along 4th Avenue when they chanced upon Peligria, 34, driving a Honda Wave motorcycle with two male friends riding behind him at about 10 p.m.

Gabriel’s group flagged down Peligria. When the suspect pulled over, the police officers asked why the motorcycle was overloaded and none of them wore a helmet.

“Why, do you have a problem with me?” Peligria allegedly answered back, prompting Gabriel to notice that the driver was drunk. Gabriel said he asked Peligria for his license but the suspect allegedly started his engine and tried to run away.

Gabriel blocked his path and asked the three men to alight from the vehicle. While checking the compartment, Gabriel allegedly saw a gun.

Peligria reportedly continued to resist the police officers as they brought him to the police station.

His two friends were not included in the charge sheet and have been released.