Rob suspect, out on bail, nabbed for killing student

MANILA, Philippines –  Manila policemen arrested a former inmate who allegedly robbed and killed a 15-year-old high school student at the University Belt Wednesday morning.

Anthony Dioneda, alias “Anthony Demonyo,” 32, out on bail in another robbery case, was identified by witnesses as the one who stabbed Alex Lomuntad, a high school student of the University of the East (UE), according to Inspector Armando Macaraeg, who arrested the suspect at his hideout in San Miguel, Manila.

Dioneda reportedly held up Lomuntad while the boy was having his project papers photocopied along C.M. Recto Avenue across UE. However, the student refused to give up his cell phone, prompting Dio­neda to stab him repeatedly.

The victim managed to run after Dioneda, but he fell unconscious near the center island of C.M. Recto. He was declared dead upon arrival at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Macaraeg said Dioneda allegedly is known to target University Belt students, especially those coming to school in the early morning. Dioneda denied the allegations.

The victim’s family reportedly scored the absence of policemen in the area, especially in the early morning, when students are at the mercy of criminals roaming the area.

The STAR tried to ask the University Belt police detachment why there were no policemen patrolling the area at the time of the robbery, but received no reply.