Manila barangay chief draws gun over lit firecracker

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman in Manila was arrested and charged for allegedly poking a gun at a man who lit a firecracker near his house in Malate, Manila yesterday.

Barangay 733 chairman Noel Raga, 53, is being held at the Manila Police District’s General Assignments Section (MPD-GAS) after he was charged with grave threats before the city prosecutor’s office, according to a police report.

A source said Raga felt insulted when a firecracker lit by the complainant, identified only as “Eman,” exploded near his house just before 11 a.m. He drew a gun as he argued with the complainant, the source said.

Eman, in his complaint with the MPD-GAS, said Raga poked a gun at him and chased him as he ran to his relatives’ house.