10 hours Ago By Pat C. Santos
The chairman of Barangay 718, Zone 78, Mark Delfin, has raised concerns over a news report regarding the death of criminology graduate Christian Ambon, who was mistaken for a thief ( akyat bahay ) and allegedly beaten by residents after falling from a second-floor landing onto the roof of a house occupied by a barangay watchman ( tanod ). In an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE , Delfin clarified the circumstances surrounding Ambon’s death, stating that the victim was seeking employment while staying in a rented house in Malate. Initial TV reports claimed that Ambon was mauled by residents after descending from the second floor of a house while chasing a man he identified as "Junjun," who had allegedly stolen his mobile phone.
However, Delfin refuted this version of events, presenting police documents that indicate Ambon was involved in a separate violent incident before his death. According to Delfin, Ambon, 26, a native of Samar, had allegedly stabbed two individuals on the night of the incident. He was subsequently arrested by officers from the Manila Police District-Station 9 (MPD-PS 9) and placed under custody while undergoing treatment at Ospital ng Maynila.
Delfin further provided a charge sheet showing that Ambon underwent inquest proceedings on 9 February 2022, and was charged with trespassing and frustrated homicide by two complainants before the City Prosecutor’s Office. Delfin criticized the TV report, saying it wrongly suggested that Ambon was killed due to a mob attack. He recounted that on the night of the incident, Ambon and two companions had allegedly been drinking.
A dispute broke out between Ambon and one of his companions, leading to a chase through the neighborhood. Ambon, reportedly wielding a bladed weapon, pursued the man to a dead-end alley. Ambon’s injuries were not immediately known, but a woman identified as "Samantha" was startled to find him inside her home.
Panicking, she screamed, "Magnanakaw! Magnanakaw!" ( Thief! Thief! ), prompting Ambon to jump out of the window and land on the roof of a nearby house occupied by a barangay tanod . Delfin confirmed that CCTV footage, which was aired by the TV network, showed a crowd gathering after the alarm was raised, with residents attacking Ambon. However, he stressed that police officers quickly arrived to stop the mauling and placed Ambon in handcuffs before bringing him to Ospital ng Maynila for medical evaluation.
Medical reports later revealed that Ambon had sustained a stab wound from an ice pick, in addition to bruises from the mob attack. He remained hospitalized for four days before succumbing to his injuries. Delfin admitted that the details surrounding the alleged mobile phone theft remain unclear, but he obtained a separate video showing Ambon in an altercation with four men along Leveriza Street, just hours before the mob attack.
Meanwhile, the MPD Homicide Division, under the directive of MPD District Director P/BGen Thomas Ibay, is conducting a thorough investigation to verify facts and determine accountability for those involved in the incident..
