The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) revealed on Tuesday that a 19-year-old man, a known member of Batang City Jail Gang, was arrested for alleged possession of an improvised firearm and live ammunition in Manila amid heightened security efforts for the election period.

The suspect, previously identified in a viral video harassing motorists near Manila Hotel, was apprehended on by personnel of the J. Bocobo Police Community Precinct.

While conducting routine patrols along the Service Road of Roxas Boulevard, Barangay 667, Ermita, Manila, officers spotted him seated inside a pedicab, tinkering with a metal pipe.

His suspicious behavior prompted officers to approach and led to the immediate confiscation of what was later confirmed to be an improvised firearm, commonly referred to as a “pen gun,” loaded with a 9mm live round.

When asked to provide legal documentation for the firearm, the suspect failed to present any, leading to his immediate arrest.

A criminal complaint has been filed for violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, in relation to Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

The case has been forwarded to the Manila Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.