Man held for robbery, violating gun ban

MANILA, Philippines — A 19-year-old man in possession of an improvised firearm was arrested in Quezon City on Monday for violating the gun ban during the second State of the Nation Address of President Marcos.

Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Quezon City Police District director, said Christian Espino was arrested in Barangay Capri at around 1:50 p.m. when he allegedly robbed a man of his cell phone.

The victim chased Espino, a scene that was noticed by police patrolling the area.

The lawmen arrested the suspect and recovered the victim’s cell phone.

Also found in Espino’s possession was an improvised firearm, locally known as “sumpak,” which was loaded with two bullets.

Complaints of theft, illegal possession of a firearm and violation of the gun ban are being readied against the suspect before the city prosecutor’s office.