A 29-year-old woman was hospitalized after being stabbed five times by a robber who took her cellphone while on her way home in Barangay San Juan, Taytay, Rizal on Monday, July 7.
According to the Taytay Municipal Police, the victim was walking along Samagta Floodway when the suspect, identified as JR, 38, approached her and declared a hold-up.
When the victim resisted, JR stabbed her multiple times with an ice pick in different parts of her body before taking her iPhone and escaping towards Eastbank Road.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital and is still undergoing medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the police launched a follow-up operation against JR after CCTV footage near the area positively identified him as the perpetrator.
A police asset also identified JR as a repeat offender who had been jailed in the precinct before. This prompted police investigators to check the precinct's records where they found the suspect's address.
A police operation was commenced which led to the suspect's arrest and the recovery of the stolen cellphone.
JR admitted to the crime, saying that he committed it because of desperation as he could not properly provide food for his family.
The suspect was detained at the Taytay Police Custodial Facility and is facing charges of robbery and frustrated homicide.
“Muli naming pinapaalalahan ang publiko na mag-doble ingat lalo na kung hindi maiiwasang maglakad ng mag-isa at palaging ugaliin na ipaalam sa mga kaanak o mag-update sa lugar ng kinaroroonan. Hangga’t maaari, iwasan din ang maglakad sa madidilim na bahagi ng kalsada (We once again remind the public to be extra careful, especially if walking alone is unavoidable, and always make it a habit to inform relatives or update them of your location. Whenever possible, avoid walking on dark roads)," the police said.