Bride-to-be slain in Mandaluyong robbery

MANILA, Philippines - A call center agent, who was supposed to wed her long-time fiancé this month, was killed by a teenage robber as she was on her way home in Mandaluyong City before dawn yesterday.

Ma. Fatima Blanco, 23, of Vicencio street in Barangay Hagdang Bato Libis, sustained a stab wound that pierced her heart. She died while being treated at the Mandaluyong City Medical Center.

Blanco was on her way home when Ronald Lomibao, 19, blocked her path along Vicencio street at about 4:10 a.m. Chief Inspector Nomer Gabuya, city police investigation head, theorized that Blanco tried to fight off Lomibao, prompting him to stab her with a kitchen knife.

When Blanco fell to the ground, Lomibao grabbed her handbag and ran away. However, barangay watchmen – attracted by the commotion – intercepted Lomibao and overpowered him after a brief tussle.

Lomibao, an out-of-school youth and resident of Welfareville Compound in Barangay Addition Hills, admitted that he attacked Blanco and was responsible for other robberies in the area over the past few months.

He is being held at the Mandaluyong City police jail pending the filing of robbery with homicide charges against him before the city prosecutor’s office.