A man from Malabon City was arrested by the police after allegedly threatening his older sister with a firearm.
Police Major Johnny Baltan, commander of the Longos Police Substation, said that during a routine patrol last Sunday night, the suspect's sister approached the officers and claimed that her brother had threatened her with a firearm.
“When the victim approached the operatives, she also said that her brother claimed to be a member of a gun-for-hire group, which made her more afraid,” Baltan said.
The police officers saw the suspect holding the handgun, prompting them to “tactically subdue” and immediately arrest him.
Upon initial investigation, the police stated that they were unable to interrogate the accused, who was identified as alias “Paul,” a resident of Barangay Longos, Malabon City.
"When the suspect was being interrogated, he appeared somewhat disoriented, which is why he couldn't communicate properly."
Baltan added that the reason the suspect couldn't fire the gun was that it was fake; however, this does not exempt him from facing charges.
The police also conducted a background check on the 42-year-old suspect and discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for an estafa case.
Under Section 35 of the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the use of an imitation firearm, including a replica gun, is punishable, especially if its overall appearance could lead someone to believe it is a real firearm.
The accused will face charges of Grave Threats and violation of RA 10591, in relation to the Omnibus Election Code.