Robbers strike in Malate; 1 dead

A student of De La Salle College of St. Benilde was shot dead by robbers who were after his mobile phone in Malate, Manila last Thursday night.

Killed was Christian Reyes, 20, taking up a computer application course at St. Benilde. He was a resident of Casa Nuevo, New Manila, Quezon City.

He sustained two gunshot wounds in the arm and left armpit.

Senior Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr., chief of the Western Police District - Homicide Section, said one of the suspects identified as Roberto Vargas, 31, an alleged member of Bahala na Gang, was arrested hours after the incident.

Investigations showed Reyes and a schoolmate Marvan Luke were inside the former’s gold Honda CRV (WHA-589) when it stopped at the corner of South Superhighway and President Quirino Avenue in Malate, Manila at about 7:30 p.m.

Witnesses said Reyes opened the window of his van to light a cigarette and use his cellular phone while waiting for the lights to turn green. This apparently attracted robbers in the area, who were waiting for possible victims.

Suddenly, two men approached the opened window and with a gun in hand one of the suspects demanded that Reyes hand over his cellular phone.

Reyes tried to parry the outstretched hand of the gunman but was shot in the process. The suspects escaped on foot.

Upon learning the incident, Yanquilling and his men conducted a follow up operation at a squatter’s area along Quirino Avenue, leading to the arrest of Vargas.

Vargas was identified by two witnesses, both barangay officials, as one of the men who robbed and killed Reyes.

Yanquilling learned Vargas has been in and out the Manila City Jail for robbery charges.

"When we arrived at the alleged hideout of the robbers, Vargas’ other cohorts — Jomar Renamentao and his brother Jeffrey — had already escaped," Yanquilling noted.

They said the suspects are behind the series of robbery snatching incidents along the long stretch of Quirino Avenue. They said the gang would rob their victims whenever a car with an open window passes in the area.

They said the suspects also harm their victims who give up a fight.