Nick Russel Oniot, an 18-year-old Architecture student from Adamson University, was walking to his home in Signal Village, Taguig when he was suddenly attacked by two assailants, who were attempting to steal his backpack.
According to a GMA News report, CCTV footage, taken on Friday October 14 at around 10:30 p.m. an unknown woman began yanking Nick’s backpack. The student resisted and tried to fight her off. That’s when another suspect jumped in and stabbed him repeatedly.
The footage also managed to capture Nick, bloodied, trying to ask for help. But the injuries–18 stab wounds, they later found–proved to be too much for the young student. He fell to the ground and was no longer moving, based on the CCTV footage.
Nick’s father, Renato, expressed his dismay at the people who didn’t even stop to help his son.
“Sumilip lang tapos pumasok ulit. Dapat sana nagmalasakit sila, dahil nakita nila yung anak ko naka-uniporme, may ID, hindi naman masamang tao, baka iniisip nila masama ring tao yun,” he lamented to GMA news.
The two suspects were identified as Ricardo Clave and (Marvin Bernardo the one who stabbed Nick), who was later on shot by police for resisting arrest.
A day after Nick’s tragic death, a netizen named Norman Bueno, who also resides in Signal Village, Taguig, posted a warning on Facebook.
Many netizens have taken to Facebook with the hashtag #JusticeforNick and posting blacked out photos in solidarity.
You can watch the full GMA news report below.
Find out how to teach your kids to be safe on the way home from school
Here are some practical tips you can teach your kids, especially if they’re old enough to commute home alone from school.
Be aware of your surroundings
Kids today are practically glued to their phones. Teach them that texting or taking calls while walking or commuting is something they should put on hold. Any call or message can wait.
Kid’s Health recommends sitting near the driver and avoiding falling asleep because attackers are always on the lookout for “vulnerable targets”.
Don’t take unfamiliar shortcuts
Though they may be tempted to take shortcuts to avoid traffic or to get home quicker, remind them that unfamiliar places aren’t a good idea. It helps if they stick to their usual route. It will also be easy to get away
If attacked, don’t engage
Teach kids that someone tries to rob them, don’t resist. Of course, it’s human nature to want to defend ourselves but remember that no belonging is worth your safety. If, for instance, a robber tries to grab your bag or wallet, throw it as far away as possible. This will, hopefully, divert your attacker’s attention and give you time to run away.
Have a hidden back-up phone
Keeping an extra, cheaper phone in your sock or underwear can help you call for help easily in case of emergencies. Just make sure to keep it charged at all times.
READ: 10 Safety tips for children traveling alone
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