Watch: 16-Year Old Drug Suspect Fires Gun at Innocent Residents in Manila, Gets Arrested (Video)

A 16-year old drug suspect was arrested in Tondo, Manila last Thursday, September 28 after firing a gun at an innocent bystander. The suspect, who was identified as alias 'JP' was seen in CCTV footage in Barangay 380 holding a gun, along with two young men, and appeared to be looking for someone. Watch ABS-CBN News TV Patrol video below.



As you can see, some residents in the neighborhood went out of their houses to check what’s going on. However, they immediately ran to the small alley when the teenager went back and fired his gun at them. Luckily, no one was hit. Minutes later, he fired his gun at a bystander while the latter was texting. The suspect was pacified by his companions.

In an interview, the suspect admitted firing his gun, and said that someone in that area bullied him. He said he decided to go back, probably to get revenge. After the initial investigation, a Facebook post of the teenage suspect showed his photo while he is re-packing marijuana with his friends. Nevertheless, he denied being a drug supplier.



“Parang sanay na siya kasi base sa mga nakuha nating information dito sa mga minors na ito, talagang may grupo ang mga batang ito…Di nila na log-out ang mga (Facebook) accounts nila, so ginagamit natin ito para ma-trace ka-transact nila ng droga sa area.” Tayuman Police Community Precinct (PCP) Station Commander Sr Inspector Ness Vargas said.



As of posting, the case is still under investigation. And because the suspect is already 16 year old, he is sent to jail. Apparently, he is not protected by Republic Act 9344 (Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006) authored by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Under the law, a law offender 15 years old or below are exempted from criminal liability.

Contributed by Salvi Dalida