MANILA, Philippines — Nine persons, including two minors, were arrested for indiscriminate firing in Malate, Manila yesterday morning.

Charges of alarm and scandal, illegal possession of firearms and violation of election-related gun ban were filed by the Manila Police District (MPD) against Anjo Padilla, 27; Jeffrey Mendoza, 32; Luilius Dolante, 30; Maryjay Dominguez, 29; Beucan Morillo, 23; Wendel de Guzman, 24; Marc Senez, 21, and two girls.

Malate residents called the MPD Station 9 after one of the suspects fired several shots at the corner of Aldecoa and M.H. del Pilar streets at around 5:40 a.m.

Closed-circuit television footage obtained by The STAR showed three Honda cars – yellow, black and white – lined up on the outer lane at a traffic light.

One of the occupants of the yellow car got out, followed by two men from the white car. The first man walked to the black and retrieved a sling bag.

The man, who was wearing a black baseball cap, a shirt and shorts, pulled out a gun and fired several shots in the air, almost emptying the chamber of what police said was a Glock pistol.

A bystander said the man was shouting “Happy New Year!” while firing the gun.

At least 12 spent shells were recovered from the scene.