By Benjamin Cuaresma
Manila — A 33-year-old tricycle driver allegedly linked to the dreaded “Sputnik” gang was arrested Wednesday night in Sta. Cruz, Manila for illegal possession of an improvised firearm, police said.
Suspect Jerico Suarez Margarejo, 33, was arrested at about 10:05 p.m. on April 16, 2026, along Main St. corner 1st Street, Manila North Cemetery, Barangay 372, Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The arresting officers were identified as *PSSg Jeffrey Castillo* and *Pat Manuel IV Insa*, both assigned to the Blumentritt Police Community Precinct under Sta. Cruz Police Station, Manila Police District.
Initial investigation by PSSg Michael Jae C. Pepino showed that the officers were conducting motorcycle patrol and area monitoring when a concerned citizen approached them and reported a male person allegedly in possession of an unknown firearm.
The officers proceeded to the area to verify the report. Upon arrival, they saw the suspect holding and examining what was later identified as an improvised firearm or “pen gun.”
Police said the suspect had no documents to possess any firearm or ammunition.
Margarejo, a resident of Barangay 372, Sta. Cruz, Manila, was apprised of his Constitutional and Statutory Rights under R.A. 7438 in Tagalog but opted to remain silent.
He was brought to Sta. Cruz Police Station for investigation after a medical examination at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
Police said a case for violation of *R.A. 10591*, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, is being prepared against the suspect.
He will be presented before the Inquest Prosecutor for evaluation and case disposition.
ia/xt
