Minor nabbed for illegal gun possession, linked to robbery-slay of working student in Rizal
Handcuffs on dark background
A 16-year-old boy, allegedly one of three suspects in the robbery-slay of a 20-year-old working student in Rodriguez, Rizal, was arrested Friday night, Feb. 13, for illegal possession of a firearm.
The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) said the suspect was arrested in Phase 1K, Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, which is the same place where the robbery-slay occurred, after officers chanced upon him in possession of a firearm during surveillance and follow-up operations.
Recovered from him was a caliber .45 Colt pistol loaded with live ammunition and a magazine.
Authorities said that during further verification, they discovered the arrested minor was allegedly involved in the previous attempted robbery with homicide incident that occurred on Feb. 8, which resulted in the death of “Jade.”
Based on the investigation, the minor and two other unidentified suspects approached “Jade” and his female co-worker around 1:30 a.m. while they were walking in the area, after reportedly being told to get off the tricycle they rode home to the co-worker’s house.
Police said the suspects approached them to borrow a flashlight, but moments later, one of them reportedly grabbed the woman’s bag.
Jade managed to retrieve it, and the two immediately ran to escape. However, they later discovered that Jade had been stabbed by one of the suspects.
He was immediately brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The Rizal PPO said the arrested minor was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper disposition in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law. It added that appropriate charges are also being prepared for filing.
Meanwhile, police continue follow-up operations to track down the other suspects involved in the killing of Jade.
Newly appointed Provincial Director of the Rizal PPO, Col. Eleazar Barber Jr., stated: “This arrest shows our relentless drive against criminality. No one who threatens public safety will be spared—Rizal PNP will act swiftly and ensure justice is served.”