Singer loses P20k to robbers in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines - A recording artist was hospitalized after two robbers attacked him Tuesday dawn after walking out of an ATM booth in Mandaluyong City.

Joel Mendoza, a Viva recording artist, was rushed to the Polymedic Hospital after sustaining wounds on the head.

In a radio interview, Mendoza said he just walked out of an ATM booth in Libertad St. and was about to get on his vehicle when one of the suspects, armed with a handgun, shoved him.

"Papasok na ako sa Rav 4 ko, bubuksan ko na iyong pinto ng bigla akong sinubsob ng isa sa mga suspek. Kinuha agad yung pera sa bulsa ko at tinulak ako 'ibigay mo yung wallet mo! Ibigay mo yung wallet mo!'. Kinukuha ko naman po pero pinupukpok pa ako," Mendoza said.

He said his driver managed to knock out the gun  from the suspect's hands but the suspect's companion picked it up and tried to shoot them.

"Pero nagtatakbo na sila...nagdidilim na paningin ko at punong-puno na ng dugo ang katawan ko," Mendoza said.

The suspects, who escaped on a scooter, fledwith Mendoza's P20,000 which he withdrew from another bank in Ortigas area.

Mendoza, who has leukemia and now based in San Diego, California, said he only came back to the Philippines to produce an album with composer Vehnee Saturno.