Suspect in rob-slay of PLM grad identified

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District has identified one of the men who reportedly killed a graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila during a robbery in Sta. Cruz before dawn Wednesday.

Police Officer 2 Jose Gumilan said a manhunt was launched for Melvin Balajadia, 29, after witnesses gave his description to investigators.

He said they already have Balajadia’s father in custody after they found he was also wanted for a pilferage case.

Kristine Dawn Concepcion, who worked for a hotel in Makati City, was shot at pointblank range, reportedly by Balajadia, during a jeepney robbery when she refused to give her bag. She died while undergoing treatment at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Another woman, Mary Jane Indiong, 30, was wounded during the robbery and was brought to an undisclosed hospital.

Gumilan said the gunman fled on foot, with his loot estimated to be less than P100,000.

Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles, MPD deputy director for operation, said they received information that the loot was being divided in a house in Sta. Cruz, giving credence to earlier reports that Balajadia was not alone when he reportedly staged the robbery.