Student fights off bolo-wielding robber

MANILA, Philippines – A criminology student lost his left index finger when he fought off a neighborhood toughie who tried to rob him in Malabon City yesterday.

Dionisar Mani told The STAR that his son, Don, 22, a Philippine College of Criminology student, drives a family-owned tricycle to help pay for his studies. Dionisar said his son has always wanted to be a policeman and hopes to graduate this year.

The elder Mani said Don was waiting for passengers at the corner of Dagat-Dagatan Avenue and Martiniko street at around 1 a.m. yesterday when Jimmy Rivera, 27, whipped out a 12-inch bolo and demanded Don’s earnings.

Don resisted and tried to disarm Rivera. The elder Mani said Don’s left index finger was severed when he parried Rivera’s attack but he succeeded in getting the suspect’s weapon.

Rivera escaped, but not before Don hit him a glancing blow in the back.

The older Mani told The STAR his son’s severed finger was brought to him by Don’s friend, “Chito.” He rushed to the scene but failed to find his son. He scoured nearby hospitals until he found Don at the emergency room of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila. An unnamed doctor allegedly told him it was too late to reattach the severed finger.

Police Officer 2 Jerry de la Torre said Rivera was arrested at the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center in Caloocan City, where he had his hack wound treated.

Rivera is currently being held at the Malabon police detention center on attempted robbery and serious physical injuries charges. Police sources said Rivera reportedly has several outstanding arrest warrants, including two for carjacking and robbery, against him.

A longer bolo that Rivera allegedly also carries was not recovered. Witnesses said it was passed on to one of several minors as Rivera escaped.