POLICE apprehended two teenagers who allegedly robbed and killed a 62-year-old retired United States Navy officer in Tacloban City Monday, May 24, 2021.
The suspects, aged 16 and 17, were arrested in a hot pursuit operation around 5:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay 49-Youngfield, Tacloban.
Police said the two minors were behind the killing of Thomas Mate in his rented establishment on Zamora Street, Barangay 7 around 3 a.m. of the same day.
Initial investigation disclosed that the suspects were hiding inside the establishment of the victim.
Upon sensing the presence of the owner, the suspects and the victim had a scuffle, which resulted in the stabbing of the victim.
Mate was rushed to the hospital, but he was declared dead by the attending physician.
Meanwhile, police said they arrested another three suspects in a robbery hold-up along Justice Romualdez Street in Tacloban on May 23.
The suspects were identified as Joshua Libotano, 21; Angelo Nablo, of legal age; and one John Doe.
The victim, 25-year-old vendor Ali Guro, said he was waiting for a vehicle on the side road when three unidentified persons allegedly approached him and declared a hold-up.
He tried to fight back, but he was overpowered by the suspects, according to the police.
The three male persons allegedly grabbed the victim’s hands and neck and took his red sling bag that contained P1,000 cash, driver's license, identification cards, and three pieces of watches worth P2,000.
The victim identified the suspects through their descriptions and a rouge's gallery at the police station.
Police are investigating the incident. (SunStar Philippines)