Molotov thrower faces charges

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has filed an arson case against a suspect identified as Reynaldo Bañano Regondola, also known as “Totoy,” and an unidentified accomplice in connection with a molotov cocktail attack that damaged a photojournalist’s car.

In a statement Thursday, the QCPD disclosed that the incident occurred last 19 February 2025, in front of the photojournalist’s residence on Matipuno Street, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City.

QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) chief Maj. Don Don Llapitan said investigators received crucial information from a witness who reported suspicious activity the night before the attack.

The witness told police that on 18 February 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., she saw the suspects on Pook Aguinaldo Street, Barangay UP Campus, Quezon City, carrying plastic bottles, cloth pieces, and a plastic container filled with gasoline and a lighter.

She identified “Totoy” and an unidentified male companion.

When the witness asked “Totoy” if they were making a gas lamp, he reportedly laughed and replied, “Just watch it on the news.” Upon hearing about the molotov attack, the witness said she became convinced the individuals she saw were involved.