Accountant held for indiscriminate firing

MANILA, Philippines — An accountant was arrested in Quezon City on Monday night for the alleged indiscriminate firing of a handgun in an incident that prompted a response from the police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Richard Elloso, 44, was arrested in his unit at a condominium building in Barangay Sta. Cruz after negotiations with Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

The incident happened along Quezon Avenue at around 8:20 p.m. when an angry Elloso allegedly fired a Glock .40-caliber pistol after his vehicle was hit by another car.

Neighbors called the QCPD Station 2, which responded with members of the QCPD’s SWAT unit. Instead of surrendering, Elloso retreated to his condominium unit and barricaded himself.

He surrendered after Torre assured his safety.

“Tayo ay nagpapasalamat at nakinig naman sa atin. Sumuko nang mapayapa (We are thankful he listened to us. He surrendered peacefully),” Torre said in an interview with Teleradyo.

Charges of alarm and scandal are being prepared against the suspect.

QCPD Station 2 commander Lt. Col. Imelda Reyes said Elloso has nine licensed firearms.

According to other reports, police seized four handguns, a shotgun, 19 magazines for handguns, three shotgun magazines and assorted bullets.