MRT-3 passenger caught with grenade

MANILA, Philippines — A man was arrested after he was found in possession of a grenade at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) station in Cubao, Quezon City on Saturday night.

Christian Guzman, 29, yielded a live hand grenade, which was wrapped in packing tape and placed in a cell phone box.

Investigation showed that Guzman was going through inspection at the MRT-3 when security guards found the explosive at around 7:10 p.m.

Guzman claimed that he was supposed to return the grenade to his brother, who is in the military.

He is in the custody of the Quezon City Police District Station 7 on charges of violating Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Explosives.

MRT-3 director for operations Michael Capati said they would implement strict security measures following the incident.

He urged the public to report to authorities any suspicious activity in MRT-3 trains and stations.

The MRT-3 management earlier lifted the ban on bottled drinks and other liquids it imposed as a security measures amid the bombings in Mindanao recently.     

Meanwhile, Ferrer Francisco, 46, was apprehended at the Cubao entrance gate of the Light Rail Transit Line-2 for alleged possession of dried marijuana during a routine check.

Francisco allegedly yielded 50 grams of marijuana stored in ziplock and wrapped in brown paper.

The suspect was turned over to the police. – Romina Cabrera