The Quezon City Police District (QCPD), under the leadership of PCOL Melecio Buslig, Jr., has filed arson charges against an identified suspect known as “Totoy” and one John Doe for their alleged involvement in a Molotov attack on a photojournalist’s vehicle.
The incident occurred at 2:35 AM on February 19, 2025, in front of No. 12 Matipuno St., Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City.
Witness Identifies Suspects Before the Attack
According to a report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) led by PMAJ Don Don Llapitan, a witness provided key information about the suspects’ suspicious activities the night before the incident.
On February 18, 2025, around 7:30 PM, the witness saw “Totoy” and an unidentified male in Pook Aguinaldo St., Brgy. UP Campus, carrying plastic bottles, cloth pieces, and a container filled with gasoline attached to a lighter. When the witness inquired about their activity, “Totoy” reportedly laughed and said, “Tingnan mo na lang sa balita” (Just watch the news).
After learning about the Molotov attack, the witness became convinced that the individuals she saw were responsible.
Investigation Uncovers Crucial Evidence
Acting on this lead, CIDU operatives conducted an ocular inspection on March 3, 2025, at 5:50 PM at Pook Aguinaldo, where the suspects were last seen. The team recovered:
- One (1) 500mL Gatorade plastic bottle with cap, containing liquid suspected to be gasoline
- One (1) empty 1L Nature Spring plastic bottle, cut in half, with a white cloth inside
- One (1) blue glove with a green end
- One (1) white cloth inside another empty 1L Nature Spring plastic bottle, cut in half
These items match the materials used in the attack.
Arson Charges Filed Against Suspects
A case of Arson under Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) has been formally filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office against “Totoy” and John Doe for allegedly throwing the Molotov cocktail that set fire to the car of Michael Varcas, a photojournalist for The Philippine Star.
Background Check Reveals Criminal Records
A verification through the Investigation Solution Automated Verification System (ISAV) identified Reynaldo Bañano Regondola as a suspect with previous criminal records, including:
- Illegal Gambling (P.D. 1602) – January & October 2024
- Illegal Firearms Possession (R.A. 10591) – March 24, 2024
QCPD Vows to Pursue Justice
PCOL Buslig, Jr. assured the public that authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to track down and apprehend all those involved.
“We will not rest until justice is served,” he stated.