By Diann Ivy Calucin
A former Philippine Navy pilot was robbed and killed by an unidentified man in front of his house in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.
According to Baltimore police, Victor Malabayabas, 60, was on his way home after grocery shopping when a man approached him for a tissue. After giving him a tissue, the suspect grabbed him by the shirt and threw him to the ground.
The thief took off with his wallet before fleeing.
The victim was treated by medics at the scene before being taken to a hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries on Monday, Aug. 22.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Malabayabas' death a homicide on Tuesday.
According to a Catholic Review article, Malabayabas moved to the United States from the Philippines in 1996.
He served as a Philippine Navy pilot for more than a decade before flying to the United States. He later devoted time to volunteering in the community and church in southeast Baltimore.
Members of St. Casimir Church grieved over the death of Malabayabas as they remembered his kindness and care for other people's lives.
Malabayabas' loved ones also call for justice.
Investigation of the incident is ongoing. Police are collecting details for the arrest of the suspect.