Suspect in robbery-slay of PLM cum laude graduate yields

MANILA, Philippines – One of the two suspects in the robbery-killing of a Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila cum laude graduate surrendered to police, the office of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said Monday.

Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez, Manila Police District Director, said the suspect, identified as Melvin Balajadia, 29, was taken in Tacloban City where he had gone into hiding.

The report submitted to Lim said Balajadia initially decided to surrender to Senior Superintendent Roderick Mariano, MPD-Station 7 commander, and Barangay (village) Chairman Renato Jimenez of Tambunting after his father Alvino was arrested for power pilferage.

He identified the other suspect as Gerald Camua, who he claimed was the one who shot the victim.

Balajadia said Camua, 27, remained in hiding. He added that killing was not part of their plan when they held up the jeepney passengers.

Meanwhile, Lim ordered that appropriate charges be filed against Camua and Balajadia. Both were said to be members of the notorious “Sigue-Sigue Sputnik Gang” and residents of Tambunting in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Last March 6, Christine Dawn Concepcion, a resident of Caloocan City and an employee of a posh hotel in Makati, was aboard a jeepney along with other passengers when the suspects declared a holdup as the vehicle reached the corner of Rizal Avenue and Tambunting Street in Sta. Cruz at around 4 a.m.

Concepcion was reportedly shot in the head with a .45 caliber pistol when she refused to hand over her bag and valuables.