Suspect in Quiapo road rage shooting a reservist–PA

Vhon Tanto, suspect in Quiapo road rage shooting. (Facebook photo)

MANILA—The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday confirmed that Vhon Tanto, earlier tagged as the suspect behind the gun-slay of a bike rider in Quiapo, Manila on Monday, is indeed an Army reservist with the rank of private.

Tanto is now being hunted for shooting dead Mark Vincent Garalde in P. Casal, Quaipo following a heated spat and brawl on Monday night.

The victim allegedly came into blows with Tanto after the latter’s car, a red Hyundai Eon, accidentally bumped Garalde’s bicycle.

Col. Benjamin Hao, PA spokesperson, said the suspect is a member of Caloocan City-based 1301st Community Defense Center, National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group of the Army Reserve Command.

He added the PA has has directed the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) to conduct an immediate investigation of Tanto who is currently at large.

ARESCOM is exhausting all means to locate him.

“We strongly condemn the incident,” Hao said.

“Rest assured that the PA will cooperate with the PNP and other investigating body for the immediate resolution of the case so that justice be served,” he added.