Barangay 718 chairman Mark Delfin has criticized a recent television news report on the death of a criminology graduate, saying it misrepresented the facts of the case.

The fatality, identified as Christian Ambon, 26, a native of Samar, was reportedly mistaken for a thief and allegedly mauled by residents after falling from the second floor of a house occupied by a barangay tanod in Malate.

However, Delfin claimed that Ambon was previously arrested and charged with trespassing and frustrated homicide following an altercation on 9 February 2025.

According to Delfin, Ambon had stabbed two individuals earlier that night and was apprehended by Manila Police District Station 9 (MPD-PS9). He was undergoing medical treatment at Ospital ng Maynila when he died four days later.

“The report made it appear that Ambon died solely from the mauling, but police records showed he had already been arrested and charged before he passed away,” Delfin told DAILY TRIBUNE.

Delfin presented charge sheet documents indicating that Ambon had been subjected to an inquest proceeding for trespassing and frustrated homicide at the City Prosecutor’s Office before his hospitalization.

Delfin said Ambon had been drinking with two companions before getting into a heated argument that turned violent.

Armed with a bladed weapon, Ambon reportedly chased one of his companions through a residential area, ending up on the second floor of a house.

A woman inside, identified only as Samantha, was startled by his presence and screamed “magnanakaw! magnanakaw!” (Thief! Thief!)

In a panic, Ambon jumped from the window, landing on the roof of a barangay tanod’s house. His fall and the woman’s screams drew a crowd, leading to the mauling captured on CCTV footage aired by the TV network.

Responding police officers stopped the attack and took Ambon into custody, later bringing him to Ospital ng Maynila for treatment. Doctors discovered he had an ice pick stab wound, in addition to bruises from the beating.

Ambon remained hospitalized for four days before he died.

Delfin said the reported cellphone theft, allegedly involving Ambon, remained unclear. However, he obtained a video showing Ambon in an altercation with four men along Leveriza Street hours before the mauling.

Meanwhile, the MPD Homicide Division has been ordered by MPD District Director Brig. Gen. Thomas Ibay to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the accountability of those involved.