Quezon City Police District operatives arrested two suspects who robbed and killed an Indian national during Valentine’s Day.

QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III identified the suspects as Mark Darriel Lagarde and Randy Manalo who were collared one after the other Thursday at Barangay Pasong Putik and Batasan Hills, respectively.

Torre said the duo was responsible for the robbery and killing of Beant Singh, 46, a native of Punjab, India, and a resident of 42 B. Diamond Street, Northview Subdivision, Barangay Batasan Hills.

The victim was gunned down after he was robbed by Lagarde along Kagawad Road, Area A Talanay, Barangay Batasan Hills at around 2:30 p.m. on 14 February.

Operatives of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit under Maj. Don Don Mallapitant conducted a follow-up and stake-out operations at the said area to locate the suspects. Until a tipster informed the lawmen that Lagarde has returned to his residence.

Lagarde, a resident of Block 31, Lot 16, Bougainvilla St., Maligaya Park, Brgy. Pasong Putik, Quezon City, is reportedly engaged in a gun-for-hire activity and other criminal activities.

During the arrest, Lagarde admitted his participation in the killing. He also pointed to Manalo as the ‘mastermind.’

The team immediately conducted follow-up operation and eventually arrested Manalo in front of a store on Batasan Hills. During his arrest, he was found in possession of one hand grenade.

Torre said criminal charges are now being readied against the two suspects.