The Manila Police District (MPD) is investigating the death of a criminology graduate who was stabbed and beaten up by bystanders after mistaking him for a thief in Barangay 718, Malate on February 15.
The victim was identified as Christian Ambon, 26, who came to Manila from Samar to look for a job.
Initial investigation showed that Ambon’s mobile phone was snatched, prompting him to chase the robber up to the latter’s house.
While trying to get the snatcher, someone shouted “Magnanakaw!, catching the attention of residents who chased and mobbed him, thinking he was the thief.
The victim was later found shirtless with a stab wound. He was rushed to the hospital where he died due to injuries on Feb. 20.
Before his passing, he told his mother what happened and identified the thief as “Junjun.”
Ambon’s mother also claimed someone heard the barangay captain allegedly instructing people to throw her son’s body into a river, which the captain denied.
The official also claimed it was Ambon who first tried to attack people with a knife.
He also said that there is no one living in their barangay with the name “Junjun.”
Ambon was even charged with trespassing and attempted murder before his death.
Ambon’s family is seeking justice for his death and hopes to bring his body back to Samar. However, they do not have the financial capacity to bring his body home.
The MPD is still conducting its investigation. (Hannah Nicol)
