A man who used a fake gun to rob a 15-year-old boy in Sorsogon was arrested by civilians. 

According to the police, the suspect, along with another individual, arrived in Sitio Lawigan, Barangay San Rafael, on a motorcycle. 

The suspect then threatened the victim with a fake firearm and demanded money.

After he took the boy’s cell phone away, the boy managed to call for help and residents in the area were quick to respond and accost the suspect. Authorities arrived later and placed the suspect under arrest. 

The suspect’s companion managed to escape. 

Authorities found out later that the weapon the suspect used was a replica of a .45 caliber gun.

The suspect is now in police custody, while efforts are underway to locate his accomplice.

The suspect said he committed the crime out of desperation since his accomplice's child was hospitalized.

"Yung kasama ko po naospital yung anak, humihingi po siya sakin ng tulong na gawin nga po yun, so nagawa ko rin po — kaya ito po ako ngayon," he said.

"Kaya dun po sa nagawan ko, nakikiusap po ako na, sana patawarin niyo po ako," he added.

The suspect has been charged with robbery-holdup.

"Sinampahan namin siya ng kasong robbery-holdup, sapagkat 'yung manner ng pag[nakaw] niya is ginamitan niya ng pananakot, and then ang sabi niya dun is tinutukan niya ng baril na replika ['yung biktima]," PCPT Rodel Deladya, Chief of Police of Sta. Magdalena Municipal Police Station, said.