ROBBERY MURDER: A screenshot of a barangay CCTV footage in Taguig City shows how 18-year-old Nick Russel Oniot was stabbed to death on Oct. 14, 2016 by robbers Reynold Clave and Marvin Bernardo. The two were later arrested by the Taguig City Police. Bernardo was shot dead by a cop when he allegedly grabbed the gun of another cop. (SCREENSHOTS OF BARANGAY CCTV COURTESY OF BARANGAY CENTRAL SIGNAL)
As they grieve, the family of Nick Russel Oniot, the 18-year-old who was stabbed 18 times in a robbery in Taguig City last week, welcomed the news that two suspects were quickly arrested—and that one of them was killed by the police.
“Even if there’s a feeling of satisfaction that the suspects were arrested, it won’t bring back my brother’s life. We’re just glad that there was quick police action,” Nick’s sister Shiela, 25, told the Inquirer on Wednesday. “People like that shouldn’t be allowed to live. “
Around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, Nick, an architecture major from Adamson University, was mugged on Martinez Street, a few blocks away from his house on Pineda Street, Central Signal Village.
The suspect who tried to grab Nick’s bag was identified as Reynold “Sakura” Clave, a South Signal resident and a notorious street robber, said Pat Henry Dueñas, Barangay Central Signal chair.
Clave tagged Marvin Bernardo as the one who stabbed Nick in the attack that was recorded by a barangay security camera.
Dueñas said Bernardo was recently granted parole after serving time for a murder committed sometime in 2000. Bernardo also reportedly killed a fellow inmate at the city jail.
The blotter report at the Signal police precinct identified the arresting officers as Insp. Esperanzate, PO2 Juan, PO2 Castelon, and PO2 Tagasa.
It wasn’t clear if they were also the policemen who escorted Clave and Bernardo to headquarters on Oct. 15, during which Bernardo supposedly grabbed the gun of his escort. Another officer was forced to shoot Bernardo, Dueñas said, quoting the police.
Clave underwent inquest proceedings for murder on Monday.
Shiela said it also hurt her to learn that the people who saw Nick slumped on the pavement did nothing to help.
Based on the video, Nick tried to call the attention of motorists but to no avail. A jeepney and a van went past him as he bled in his uniform.
Several people on the street merely looked on until a motorcyclist saw him and sought help from barangay officials.
Nick was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.