The Manila Police District (MPD) on Friday said it has created Special Investigation Task Group Ambon (SITG Ambon) to investigate the death of Christian Tendido Ambon, a criminology graduate from Northern Samar who died after being stabbed and mobbed as he tried to chase a cellphone thief.
The MPD said its police officers interviewed concerned individuals, gathered evidence, and reviewed CCTV footage gathered from the area.
Ambon’s body was also subjected to autopsy.
“This case will not go unsolved,” the MPD said, adding that the incident is for further investigation.
Ambon, 26, was fatally beaten and stabbed after allegedly being wrongly accused of stealing a cellphone in Barangay 718, Malate, Manila.
The incident occurred on February 8 at about 11 p.m. inside a house on Leveriza Street, according to the MPD.
The victim was chasing the person who snatched his cellphone but he was mistaken for a thief by residents. He was cornered and attacked by the residents.
“Reportedly, he was assaulted by the residents who tied him up in the streets despite his dying stage,” the MPD said in a press release.
Ambon, who recently arrived in Manila from Samar to look for a job was rushed to the hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim’s mother, Bonifacia Ambon, is devastated by what happened to her son, especially since he was wrongly accused.
The barangay however claimed that Ambon was the first to stab someone during the incident.
Ambon was charged with trespassing and frustrated murder.
“The MPD assures the family of Ambon of our continued commitment in the pursuit to bring full closure to this case. We likewise assure our fellowmen that the MPD is doing its best to prevent the occurrence of similar crimes in our communities. We are committed to uncovering the truth, rest assured that we will hold those responsible accountable,” MPD District Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay said.
PCSO extends help
Meanwhile, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) extended financial assistance to the victim’s mother so his remains can be brought to their province, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB.
LOOK: PCSO, nagpaabot ng tulong sa magulang ng napatay na criminology graduate matapos mapagkamalang snatcher sa Maynila upang mailabas ang labi sa punerarya at maiwui sa probinsya @dzbb (???? @pcsogovph ) pic.twitter.com/oyMeDMwPm4
— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) February 22, 2025
PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles personally gave the cash assistance.
The victim’s remains will be brought out of the funeral home in Manila today for the trip back to Northern Samar. —KG, GMA Integrated News
