ORMOC CITY — A 52-year-old habal-habal driver was arrested by police after allegedly brandishing and firing a homemade firearm during a disturbance in Barangay Cangcahipos, Laoang in Northern Samar early Saturday morning, April 11.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “Vic,” a resident of the said barangay.
According to the Laoang Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident was reported to authorities through a cellphone call from a concerned citizen around 4:00 a.m., prompting immediate police response to verify the situation.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect had been drinking with a neighbor when his live-in partner reportedly asked their child to remind him to stop drinking, citing previous incidents of disturbance while intoxicated. The reminder allegedly angered the suspect, who felt embarrassed and went inside their house.
A heated argument between the couple followed, during which the suspect reportedly uttered, “Ayaw ak pakialami kay waray makagbuot sa ak!” (“Don’t bother me because no one can control me!”)
Police said the suspect later came out of the house armed with a caliber .45 pistol and an improvised firearm locally known as “boga.” He then allegedly roamed the area, shouting challenges at residents, saying, “Sige, guwa kun sino maisog sa iyo!” (“Come out, who among you is brave!”)
The suspect also reportedly pointed his firearm at nearby residents, causing panic and forcing some to take cover.
Barangay officials attempted to intervene and calm the suspect, but he reportedly continued his actions and tried to flee the area.
Responding police officers were eventually able to arrest him and recover one loaded improvised firearm. The .45-caliber pistol, however, was not recovered.
He is currently under the custody of the Laoang lock-up facility for proper disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)
