QC cops nab suspect for grave threat, assault; seize hand grenade

Photos from the National Capital Region Police Office-Quezon City Police District

MANILA, Philippines — A 27-year-old individual was arrested for threatening a victim at gunpoint, assaulting officers during his arrest and possessing a hand grenade, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced on Wednesday.

According to the QCPD’s report, the victim was walking along Villareal Street in Barangay Gulod in Novaliches at 3 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, when the suspect appeared and threatened him with a handgun.

The victim escaped and ran to the Novaliches Police Station.

Officers at the station proceeded to arrest the suspect, but he resisted by kicking the cops until he was subdued.

The Novaliches Police Station identified the suspect as John Carlo Mercene, a resident of Barangay Gulod.

A hand grenade, a 9mm shooter guardian pistol loaded with a magazine and six live ammunition, and a sling bag were recovered from the suspect.

Further investigation revealed that Mercene already had cases filed against him before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for murder, frustrated murder and violation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

The report added that Mercene was found to have been involved in a series of shooting incidents within the jurisdiction of the Novaliches Police Station.

He now faces charges for grave threats, direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, illegal possession of explosives, and violation of the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.