Off-duty officers subdue gun-wielding e-trike driver

Two off-duty police officers disarmed and arrested an armed man who was allegedly causing a disturbance along a busy street in Tondo, Manila.

Police identified the suspect as Norman Matito, an electric tricycle driver residing in Barangay 117, Tondo.

The responding officers were identified as Police Master Sgt. Artemio S. Saguros Jr., assigned to the Northern Police District (NPD) headquarters Support Unit, and Patrolman Rhonie C. Reyes of the NPD Caloocan City Police Station Sub-Station 2.

According to a report from Manila Police District Station 1, Saguros was driving his motorcycle home when he encountered the suspect going berserk and challenging passersby near a convenience store at the corner of Quezon and Herbosa streets in Barangay 112.

When Saguros attempted to pacify the suspect, the man drew a firearm. Saguros stepped back to safety before closing in to wrestle the weapon away.

Reyes, who was also passing by on a motorcycle, stopped to assist. During the struggle, the handgun fell to the ground, allowing Reyes to retrieve the weapon and help subdue the suspect.

Police recovered a .9mm pistol loaded with six live rounds and a folding knife, locally known as a balisong, from the suspect.

The officers turned over the suspect and seized weapons to the Raxabago Police Station (MPD Station 1).

Charges including alarms and scandals, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, illegal possession of firearms, and carrying a concealed bladed weapon are set to be filed before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.