TWO persons who allegedly robbed and stabbed a taxi driver were arrested in a follow-up operation at two separate villages in Bacolod City Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Marc Joeil Reclamado, head of Police Station 1, identified the suspects as Omier Mirza, 31, and his 17-year-old cousin, whose name was withheld, both residents of Barangay 29.
Reclamado said police arrested the minor first through the help of an informant at Barangay 29 around 2 a.m.
The minor tried to escape by running inside their residence, however, he was cornered by the police. Then he was the one who told the police about the whereabouts of Mirza, who was later arrested at the boarding house of his wife in Barangay 17.
Police recovered from Mirza an improvised pin gun and two live ammunition.
On August 7, the two suspects allegedly robbed and stabbed Donato Cortez Jr., 64, of Barangay Bata.
They flagged down the taxi on Locsin Street and told the driver to drop them at Galo-Mabini Streets in Barangay 22. However, before they arrive at their destination, the minor reportedly declared hold-up while Mirza attacked Cortez with a knife when he refused to give them money. Cortez was able to fight back and also hit Mirza.
Cortez sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.
Reclamado said Cortez positively identified the two suspects, who were presented to him at the hospital.
Charges for robbery with frustrated homicide will be filed against both suspects.
Reclamado said Mirza has a previous case of frustrated murder.
He is detained at Police Station 1 while the minor was turned over to the Social Development Center for custody.
For his part, Mirza said they have no intention to rob the taxi driver, however, they have no money to pay for their fare.
He also alleged that the taxi driver first stabbed him and he only defended himself.
They came from a drinking session at Libertad public market and were on their way home when they committed the crime.
Mirza also said that he does not own the firearm that was recovered from his possession. (GYM/SunStar Bacolod)