Woman nabbed for firing gun in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Police arrested early Tuesday a 49-year-old woman for firing a pistol at bystanders and her neighbors in Barangay Pio del Pilar.

Makati Police chief, Sr. Supt. Ernesto Barlam said Lilibeth Pedroso apparently snapped and went outside her house along Santucio St. at about 9:30 pm on Monday carrying a 9mm Taurus pistol.

Barlam said Pedroso then started running along Santucio St. and started shooting at bystanders and her neighbors whom she had encountered on the street.

Police said a neighbor later identified as Rowell Roque, 30, was injured after Pedroso shot him once in the buttocks. He was rushed to the Makati Medical Center for emergency treatment. Police said Pedroso fired at least 19 shots.

Barlam said that after the shooting, Pedroso ran back to her house where she was followed by police officers. It was later learned that Pedroso was sharing the house with a 15-year-old son. 

At about 12:27 a.m. Tuesday, responding police officers convinced Pedroso to come out of the house and surrender the pistol she had used. Barlam said Pedroso’s husband - who is now abroad – owns the gun.

Pedroso is now detained at the Makati Police Station as complaints for indiscriminate firing and physical injuries are being prepared against her before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.