Operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) have arrested a suspect in a shooting incident that led to the death of a 13-year-old boy in Quezon City on 20 December.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Erwin,” 41, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila, was apprehended following an investigation by Galas Police Station (PS 11), which has jurisdiction over the area.

QCPD Acting District Director Randy Glenn Silvio said the victim and his friends were on their way home after attending a Simbang Gabi mass when they attempted to help the victim’s cousin, who was allegedly being harassed by a group of unidentified minors.

Police said that at around 4:30 a.m. on December 20, along Nicanor Ramirez Street corner Matimyas Street in Barangay Don Manuel, the victim and his companions became involved in an altercation with another group of minors. During the incident, a suspect arrived aboard a green Honda Click motorcycle and shot the victim before fleeing in an unknown direction, taking the firearm used in the shooting.

The victim was rushed to the United Doctors Medical Center, but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. A cursory examination showed that the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

The suspect was later invited to PS 11 to shed light on the incident. While at the station, minor witnesses, accompanied by their guardians, positively identified him as the shooter, leading to his arrest and the recovery of the motorcycle used in the crime.

Silvio said the suspect will be charged with murder before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and assure the public that justice will be served. Our personnel acted promptly to apprehend the suspect, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our citizens," Silvio said.