Man held for firing gun in Crame

MANILA, Philippines — A 50-year-old man was arrested after he fired a handgun in the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday afternoon.

The suspect, whose identity is being withheld by the police, claimed he committed the act to protest corruption in the upcoming elections, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters in a message on Viber.

Fajardo said the suspect is a civilian and resident of Barangay Caniogan in Pasig City.

The shooting occurred near the camp’s Bulwagang Lapu-Lapu at around 1:40 p.m., Fajardo said.

Fajardo said the suspect entered Crame’s Gate 2 along Boni Serrano Avenue on a bicycle. Once inside, the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired once, catching the attention of policemen who subdued him.

Police seized a .22 caliber revolver with two bullets and a bullet casing, assorted election flyers and P200 in cash.

The suspect was brought to the PNP’s Forensic Group for medical examination.

Fajardo said they will endorse the suspect to the Cubao police station for investigation and filing of complaints for violating Republic Act 10691 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, illegal discharge of a firearm and violation of the election gun ban.

An investigation is underway to determine how the suspect managed to enter the PNP’s main camp with a handgun.