AFTERMATH OF ROBERT EDWARD ARMSTRONG’S DEATH (Nina Francisco, September 25, 2012)
Several weeks have passed since Harrison Plaza was rocked by gunshots during an afternoon 7/11 robbery, leaving a 45-year-old American named Robert Edward Armstrong dead. His bloody demise came when a trio of armed men stormed the convenience store he was in. Although the robbers told everyone inside to remain calm, the American panicked and tried to run out of the store. It was a decision that was met with violence.
The armed men, allegedly members of one of many Waray-Waray Gangs, a notorious group of criminals known for robbery, assault and murder, opened fire on the unarmed foreigner. Robert was shot five times and died just after reaching his car. The criminals then escaped using two motorbikes and the whole murder was caught on CCTV. The American Embassy condemned Robert’s death, which was made worse by the fact that the crime took place only several meters from the nearest police precinct.
However, the story did not end there. The Manila Police District took it upon themselves to investigate the crimes. Although they have not revealed yet that they have caught those responsible, this month alone they have nabbed over 5 Waray criminals and killed another 3. There’s also been rumors of the involvement of Senior Police Officer 1 Alonzo Layugan, with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations in the capture of these thugs.
Tension still remains high though for both Filipinos and foreigners, as robberies, drug dealing, and murders, continue to breed in the streets of Manila.
Pinas © 2012