Quiapo road rage suspect: ‘Sorry po talaga’

MANILA, Philippines – The suspect in the Quiapo road rage slay, Vhon Martin Tanto, apologized on Saturday, July 30, for the death of bicycle rider Mark Vincent Garalde.

Garalde died following a heated argument with Tanto in Quiapo, Manila, on Monday, July 25. He was shot by Tanto.

Tanto sent a message to Garalde’s mother, Malou, in an interview with dzBB on Saturday: “Sorry po talaga, ‘di ko po sinasadya ang mga pangyayari. Nagdilim lang ang paningin ko.” (I’m really sorry. What happened wasn’t intentional. I just lost it.)

He added, “Sa mga nakikinig, sorry po talaga.” (To all those listening, I’m really sorry.)

Tanto is now in the custody of the Manila police after he was arrested on Friday, July 29, in Milagros, Masbate.

In his interview with dzBB, Tanto also recounted his encounter with Garalde last Monday.

Tanto said he was on his way to Vergara Street while Garalde was going to Ayala Bridge. Tanto turned to the right, then honked at Garalde. He said Garalde chased him.

Tanto recalled telling Garalde that bikers should not overtake from the right side. The exchange roused his sleeping child who started to cry.

Heated exchange

Narrating what happened next, Tanto said, Garalde told him, “Kung matapang ka, lumabas ka (If you’re brave, step out).”

When he stepped out of his vehicle, he and Garalde engaged in a fistfight. He said he was hit badly, and because his neck was locked, he nearly died.

After the fight, Tanto said he went back to his car. Garalde extended his hand when he saw a Philippine Army sticker on the vehicle.

Tanto told him, “Okay na ‘yun, naglabasan na tayo ng lakas ng loob.” (It’s okay. We already let out our anger.)

When he was told, “Ang yabang mo (You’re too proud),” Tanto became irate, grabbed his pistol and started shooting Garalde.

He fled Manila and thought of bringing his family to safety in Masbate, where he surrendered to a barangay chairman and the Philippine Army to which he belonged.

Now under police custody, Tanto has completed booking procedures, which include taking his fingerprints and mugshot. 

Tanto is now awaiting inquest at the Department of Justice. – Rappler.com