Two men were arrested by police after they allegedly robbed and stabbed a musician in Ermita, Manila, early Friday morning.
Police identified the suspects as Remar Garbo, 32, of Sta. Cruz, Manila; and Robert Valdez, 24, of Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Investigation showed that the victim, Joseph Cyrus Roque, 43, a freelance singer and resident of Quezon City, was walking on his way home after he performed in a hotel when the two suspects declared a holdup and stabbed him in the back along Sta. Monica Street in Ermita at around 1:09 a.m. on March 1.
“Sinabihan ako ng holdap. Tapos sinaksak ang likod ko,” Roque said.
According to Roque, the two took away his wallet containing P8,000 cash and his watch worth P13,000. They then casually walked towards Mabini Street in Ermita.
The victim immediately sought assistance from a barangay tricycle patrol.
The police conducted a follow-up operation and arrested the suspects at the corner of Mabini and Padre Faura Streets in Manila. However, while on their way back to the barangay, the suspects jumped off the barangay patrol which led to a brief chase.
The suspects were collared on J. Bacobo Street near corner Malvar Street by the arresting officers.
Recovered from them were a nine-inch butterfly knife, a kitchen knife, wallet and the watch they stole from Roque.
“Para sa gatas ng anak ko ‘yon. Magtrabaho din kayo,” Roque told the suspects inside the police station.
The suspects are now under police custody and cases of robbery hold-up, frustated homicide, and violation of the Omnibus Election Code will be filed against them. (Erma Edera)