MANILA, Philippines - Vhon Tanto, the former Army reservist who is the main suspect in the killing of cyclist Mark Vincent Geralde during a road rage in Quiapo, Manila, is now under the custody of the police. Tanto is to be turned over to the Manila Police District after being brought to the 9th IB headquarters in Milagros, Masbate.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, elements of the Philippine Army captured Tanto today at 11:50 am in Barangay Bangat, Milagrosa in Masbate. He described the arrest as a “peaceful” one.
The AFP took particular interest in the case after the suspect was initially identified as an Army reservist. Padilla revealed that Tanto is no longer an Army reservist and had been inactive since he has not been attending meetings or events for reservists beginning January 2015.
"Since he was identified to be a reservist after that fatal road rage, he has been dragging not only the AFP, but also the good name and reputation of the Reservist Force in the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy,” Padilla said.
Earlier this week, a driver of a red Hyundai Eon and Geralde were seen having a heated argument along a street in Quiapo. Following a fistfight, the driver fatally shot Geralde several times. The incident was captured on closed circuit television (CCTV) camera in the area.
Authorities later identified the shooter as Tanto.
On Thursday, July 28, Tanto’s vehicle without plate number bearing conduction sticker MO-3745 was found in Purok 3, Kirang, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Tanto’s brother-in-law said Tanto took a Florida bus bound to Manila after leaving his vehicle on his house on Thursday.
--Mini, The Summit Express
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| Vhon Tanto is now under the custody of the police. PHOTO CREDIT: ABS-CBN News |
The AFP took particular interest in the case after the suspect was initially identified as an Army reservist. Padilla revealed that Tanto is no longer an Army reservist and had been inactive since he has not been attending meetings or events for reservists beginning January 2015.
"Since he was identified to be a reservist after that fatal road rage, he has been dragging not only the AFP, but also the good name and reputation of the Reservist Force in the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy,” Padilla said.
Earlier this week, a driver of a red Hyundai Eon and Geralde were seen having a heated argument along a street in Quiapo. Following a fistfight, the driver fatally shot Geralde several times. The incident was captured on closed circuit television (CCTV) camera in the area.
Authorities later identified the shooter as Tanto.
On Thursday, July 28, Tanto’s vehicle without plate number bearing conduction sticker MO-3745 was found in Purok 3, Kirang, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Tanto’s brother-in-law said Tanto took a Florida bus bound to Manila after leaving his vehicle on his house on Thursday.
--Mini, The Summit Express
