Court convicts Army reservist in killing of cyclist Mark Vincent Garalde

A Manila court has convicted a Philippine Army reservist for the killing of cyclist Mark Vincent Garalde in a road rage incident in Quiapo in 2016.

In a decision promulgated on Monday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 14 found Vhon Martin Tanto guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of murder and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, or up to 40 years in prison.

Tanto was also ordered to pay Garalde’s heirs P1.048 million as actual damages, P100,000 as civil indemnity, P100,000 as moral damages, and another P100,000 as exemplary damages.

Tanto and Garalde, a gaming assistant, were caught on CCTV cameras posted along P. Casal Street having a fistfight on July 25, 2016 after Garalde, while riding his bicycle, blocked Tanto's car.

The altercation led to Tanto fatally shooting Garalde and injuring a student who was hit by a stray bullet.

The Department of Justice pressed charges against Tanto after he admitted to the crime, even as he claimed that Garalde's arrogant behavior had provoked him.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said the prosecution presented 10 witnesses during trial, as well as the CCTV footage in the place where the shooting occurred.

Family welcomes conviction

Meanwhile, Garalde's family welcomed Tanto's conviction.

For Garalde's mother, Malou, the court ruling was an answer to her prayers.

“Yung mga next to impossible nangyari. Salamat din po nagkaroon ng justice kasi para hindi tularan. Sana maging leksyon din sa iba na hindi lahat ng bagay nakukuha sa init ng ulo,” she said.

Garalde's wife, Rachel, said they were relieved knowing that the decision was justice for her husband.

“Three years yung hinintay namin. Every hearing namin meron kaming… anxious ka. Di mo alam kung ano yung mangyayari. Di mo alam kung pano ka makikiharap, lalo makikita mo yung suspect,” she said.

“Meron pa ring pain. Naaalala yung father lalo na ‘pag may celebrations. Pero ngayon tingin ko mas okay na yung binigay na suporta ng mga kaibigan at family. It helps talaga,” she added.

Tanto and his lawyer did not comment on the decision. — Joviland Rita/RSJ/DVM, GMA News