Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Three men were arrested following a shooting and illegal firearms incident in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, after authorities responded to an emergency call through the Unified 911 system, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
Authorities said officers were dispatched at around 10:40 p.m. on March 4 after receiving the report. Responding personnel intercepted a 30-year-old man who was attempting to leave the area with bloodstains on his head and back.
Police found the man carrying a .45 caliber pistol without proper documentation. He was brought to Quezon City General Hospital for medical treatment.
Shortly after, two other men, aged 64 and 42, arrived at the scene on a motorcycle. One of them tried to flee but was apprehended by officers. Police recovered a hi capacity .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, a bulletproof vest and an 18 inch bolo.
A 16-year-old witness told investigators that a heated argument had taken place before the incident. The older men allegedly attacked and stabbed the injured man, who then seized a firearm and fired several shots.
Crime scene investigators later recovered one live .45 caliber round, a fired cartridge case and a deformed bullet. Police said the three suspects were placed under custody while complaints for attempted homicide, attempted murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 were being prepared for inquest.
“Let this be clear: when firearms are used to threaten lives, the PNP will respond with full authority of the law. We will pursue offenders relentlessly and ensure they answer for their actions,” PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez said.
“Walang puwang ang dahas at baril sa ating mga komunidad. Ang lalabag sa batas ay tiyak na haharap sa hustisya,” he added.