Barangay watchman mauled to death

For trying to pacify two warring rival youth gangs, a barangay watchman was mauled to death while a colleague survived multiple injuries early yesterday morning in Malabon City. The lone fatality was identified as Luis Ramos, 48, watchman, of Barangay Maysilo, who sustained severe multiple head and body injuries.

Injured was Ramos’ partner, Inocencio Estrella, 65, of the same barangay, who was taken to the Pagamutang Lungsod ng Malabon for injuries in the head and body.

Two of six suspects, Aries Domingo, 18, laborer and Ruel Reyes, 20, waiter, both residents of Yanga St., also of Barangay Maysilo, were arrested.

SPO2 Jorge Gubatan, officer on case, said they are on the trail of four other suspects identified as Alvin Villalobos, 17, Alexis Villaroman, 15, a certain "Jon" and "Peter," both 15. All managed to escape before responding cops arrived at the crime scene.

Police said the two watchmen tried to break up a clash between the feuding group at around 2 a.m. But as they waded into the fray, the youths vented their ire on the peacemakers and beat up the two using wooden clubs and lead pipes. Ramos expired on the scene due to severe injuries. – Jerry Botial