LAW enforcement officers in Metro Manila tightened the net on street criminality after the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested two men for illegal firearm possession and subsequently linked them to a viral snatching incident that circulated widely online.
Acting District Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Olazo reported that the operation was executed around 10:00 PM on October 20, 2026, by operatives from the Talipapa Police Station (PS 3), headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ramillano.
The officers were conducting a follow-up investigation regarding an earlier shooting incident in Barangay Apolonio Samson when a concerned bystander approached them.
The citizen reported two suspicious individuals lingering beneath the EDSA footbridge near Oliveros Drive.
When authorities approached for verification, the two suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly intercepted and subdued.
A search of their persons yielded two illegal weapons: an improvised shotgun locally known as a sumpak loaded with a 12-gauge round, and a pen gun loaded with live .38 caliber ammunition.
The suspects were identified as alias “Celso,” 37, of Barangay Unang Sigaw, and alias “Rico,” 32, of Barangay Balingasa.
Both men possess criminal records involving illegal gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 and drug violations under Republic Act No. 9165.
Further investigation by precinct detectives uncovered a major breakthrough: the two arrested individuals are among a group of five suspects caught on camera in a viral theft and snatching incident on October 14, 2026.
While Celso and Rico are now in custody, a manhunt is actively underway for three remaining cohorts identified via CCTV footage as aliases “Jayson,” “Ryan,” and “Michael.”
Formal charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, have already been filed against the suspects before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
PBGEN Olazo commended the operating unit’s vigilance and urged the public to cooperate. “We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal firearms… We also urge victims of street crimes to come forward and coordinate with the police to help ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Olazo stated.
