Two Malabon City residents were arrested after allegedly attempting to rob and shoot an Indian national businessman at his home in Barangay Tugatog.

Police identified the suspects as alias “John Paul” and “Aries,” both residents of Barangay Maysilo. The arrest followed an incident where the businessman was shot in the left arm.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Anthony Aberin disclosed that the suspects were known to target Indian nationals.

“When they spot an Indian national, they follow him and sometimes even ambush him by the roadside. But now, because of our intensified police presence — with many officers deployed — they followed him all the way to his house instead,” Aberin said.

He cited that one suspect had a prior criminal record for victimizing another Indian national in 2023.

CCTV footage reportedly showed the two suspects following the victim. However, the actual assault was not captured on video. As the suspects were leaving, the businessman attempted to throw a helmet at them, at which point one of the suspects shot him.

The motorcycle used by the suspects was traced to the wife of one of them.

Despite the arrests, Northern Police District director PBGEN Josefino Ligan said the firearm used in the incident has not been recovered.

Investigators determined that the suspects followed the victim from Sangandaan in Caloocan City to his residence in Malabon. The victim is currently receiving treatment at Manila Central University Hospital in Caloocan City.

Police records indicated that both suspects have faced multiple charges in the past. John Paul’s record includes charges of attempted robbery (2017), serial physical injury (2018), robbery with threat and intimidation (2023), and two counts of anti-illegal gambling law (2023). Aries has faced charges of anti-illegal gambling law and robbery with force upon things (2024).

Following their latest arrest, the suspects will face criminal charges for attempted robbery and frustrated homicide in relation to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.