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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 28-year-old man arrested in Ermita for alleged solvent use

28-year-old man arrested in Ermita for alleged solvent use

Published Apr 5, 2026 09:19 am
Photo courtesy of MPD
Photo courtesy of MPD

Operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) arrested a 28-year-old man in Ermita in Manila, on Friday, April 3, after he was caught with a bottle containing a liquid suspected to be a volatile or inhalant substance.

The suspect, identified as Benedict Bancolo, a resident of Ermita, Manila, was apprehended at around 4:55 p.m. along United Nations Avenue near the corner of J. Bocobo Street.

The operation was carried out by personnel of Ermita Police Station.

Police said the arresting officers were conducting routine security and monitoring operations in United States Embassy in Manila, the vicinity of the  when they noticed the suspect allegedly acting in a suspicious manner and causing disturbance to pedestrians.

Authorities reported that Bancolo was seen holding a plastic bottle of mineral water containing a small amount of clear liquid believed to be a volatile substance. 

When officers attempted to approach and pacify him, the suspect reportedly tried to flee, prompting a brief pursuit that led to his arrest.

The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and the nature of his offense at the time of apprehension. 

The recovered bottle and its contents were secured and will be subjected to laboratory examination.

Following the arrest, Bancolo was taken to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for medical evaluation before being transported to the Ermita Police Station for proper documentation.

A complaint for violation of the Volatile Substances Law is currently being prepared against the suspect and will be referred to the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.

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