By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A construction worker was mauled and arrested late Saturday evening after he allegedly robbed a woman at Paglaum Village in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Ronel Alvarez, a resident of Bangga Tanduay, Purok Buri in Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Police Station 7 (PS7) commander, Police Chief Inspector Ramel Sarona, said the victim, identified as Josephine Chua Salutin, was making a purchase from a sari-sari store when Alvarez stood beside her and pointed a 9-inch knife to her side.

The suspect declared a hold-up and ordered Salutin to give up her sling bag, which contained P3,920 in cash and two mobile phones worth P7,500.

When Alvarez tried to flee, he was chased down by angry residents, who responded to Salutin’s shout for help.

The suspect was eventually cornered and the residents took turns beating him until PS7 officers arrived and took him into custody.

Police recovered the 9-inch knife used by the suspect, as well as the items stolen from the victim.

When interviewed by the media yesterday morning, Alvarez claimed he was ordered by three colleagues to commit the robbery, claiming, his life was in danger if he did not follow orders.

Robbery/hold-up charges are scheduled to be filed against Alvarez today.

He is currently detained at PS7./DGB, WDJ