Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos visited the wake of slain Move It rider Fabio Norberte Jr. on Friday, July 17, to personally convey President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s condolences and assure the bereaved family of the government’s unwavering backing.
During the visit, Abalos turned over financial assistance to Norberte’s kin, promising that state resources would remain accessible while law enforcement forces pursue legal accountability for the perpetrators.
The Cabinet Secretary stressed that everyone implicated in the homicide must face the full force of the law.
Beyond official state aid, Abalos committed to personally helping Norberte’s child, who has autism, vowing to stay in touch with the family to secure the child’s long-term care.
He further guaranteed that the administration would interface with relevant government offices to guide the family through the upcoming legal battles.
The 46-year-old victim was killed early Tuesday morning while working in Barangay 20, Caloocan City. Official reports indicate that a passenger stabbed Norberte with an ice pick before fleeing with his motorcycle, an assault that was captured on closed-circuit television.
Investigators revealed that the perpetrator later used the stolen vehicle to attempt another robbery, targeting an individual’s mobile phone in Malabon City a few hours later. However, local residents cornered the suspect in a dead-end alley and detained him until police arrived.
Law enforcement personnel subsequently recovered the victim’s motorcycle alongside the ice pick used in the attack.
The tragedy has sparked deep concern within the motorcycle taxi community. Move It has publicly condemned the murder and pledged its own assistance to the Norberte family, particularly in fast-tracking their insurance claims.
Meanwhile, Abalos reaffirmed that the government will remain by the family’s side until justice is fully served.