QC Man in Viral Video Was Carrying Toy Gun, PNP Says
PNP clarified that a man who caused alarm after appearing to carry a long firearm in a viral video was found to be holding only a toy gun.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the man who caused alarm among netizens after appearing to carry a long firearm in a viral dashcam video was found to be holding only a toy gun.
On Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026, a video showed a man crossing the road and standing in the middle of the street along IBP Road in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City. He appeared to be carrying a long gun, causing concern among motorists and people who saw the footage online.
After learning about the viral video, police officers immediately launched an investigation to identify and locate the man.
On Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2026, authorities found him at a basketball court in the same barangay. He was still carrying the object that had caught the attention of the public.
Upon inspection, police discovered that the supposed firearm was not a real weapon but a replica toy gun.
Batasan Police Station 6 commander PLt. Col. Gemmer Tubiera said the man also appeared to be experiencing mental health difficulties based on their initial interaction with him.
Police took the man and the toy gun into their custody while coordinating with barangay officials to arrange the appropriate medical and psychological support.
In an official statement, Batasan Police Station 6 assured the public that community safety remains its top priority. The station also stressed the importance of respecting human rights, especially when dealing with individuals who may be in vulnerable situations.
Authorities reminded the public to avoid spreading unverified information online, as misleading posts can cause unnecessary fear and confusion.
Residents were also encouraged to report similar incidents immediately by contacting emergency hotlines 911 or 122 so authorities can respond and assess the situation.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
