One-way street violation big mistake for armed duo

After drawing the policemen’s attention for going the wrong way on a one-way street in Manila, a tricycle driver and his passenger ended up in jail Friday night for a more serious offense.

Joey Balingit, 37, and Epefanio Avelino, 50, were found carrying a .45-cal Llama pistol, two .45-cal magazines, 11 .45-cal bullets and two hand grenades, after they were initially flagged down for the traffic violation on Ronquillo Street, Sta. Cruz.

Balingit actually had four passengers but two of them managed to jump out of the tricycle and run away when they encountered a mobile team of the Manila Police District (MPD) around 8:45 p.m., according to Insp. Rennie Geronimo.

As the policemen approached the tricycle, the driver was seen pulling out the gun tucked in his waistband but PO3 Arnel Olguera, one of the team members, was quicker to draw his gun.

Balingit and Avelino surrendered and yielded a bag containing ammunition. The grenades were found in their pockets, Geronimo said.

The two men were detained at the MPD’s General Assignment and Investigation Section to face charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.