MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation has filed charges against a man caught earlier this week with assorted ammunition while about to board the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.
In a statement, the department said the man, who was identified as Xavier Sumaya, an electronic engineer, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives after he was arrested on Jan. 16.
According to MRT 3 security guard Precy Bulan, Sumaya’s bag—which passed through the station’s X-ray machine — was found containing live ammunition for an M203 grenade launcher, an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, a .40-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber pistol, and 9 mm pistol.
Sumaya was immediately brought to the headquarters of the Pasay City police for investigation, the department said.
It’s still unknown why Sumaya was carrying the ammunition inside his bag.
The DOTr has vowed to implement stricter security measures following the incident.