MMDA enforcer threatens neighbors with gun

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who allegedly threatened his neighbors with a firearm in Quezon City was arrested on Friday.

Recto Barasi, 40, went out of his house in Barangay Pasong Tamo at around 9:45 p.m. with a handgun, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

Barasi allegedly threatened to shoot a group of noisy bystanders then drew a .45 caliber handgun and pointed it at them.

Concerned citizens alerted the QCPD Station 14, which then sent police officers to confront Barasi.

The traffic enforcer was placed under arrest after it turned out his firearm’s license had expired. The lawmen confiscated the suspect’s firearm, which was loaded with eight bullets.

Barasi is being held on charges of grave threat and violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.