Leung murder suspect nabbed

The alleged "lookout" of the triggerman who shot dead a Filipino-Chinese restaurateur in Sta. Cruz, Manila, last Sunday night fell into the hands of the Manila police.

Western Police District Homicide Division probers identified the suspect as Edilberto Aparri, of Tondo, Manila. Police said Aparri, who was arrested last Tuesday afternoon, is the brother of the gunman known only as alias "Bodabil."

Probers said although Aparri was detained for murder after an inquest by Manila City Prosecutor Nestor Gonzales, they cannot force him to reveal where his brother is hiding. Probers added that Aparri even refused to give the true identity of his brother.

"We cannot force him to tell us where to find his brother. We have to respect his constitutional rights against self incrimination and to remain silent," said Chief Inspector Juanito Taluban.

Police reports said "Bodabil," reportedly 5’10" tall and Chinese-looking, gunned down Benjamin Leung, 73, owner of the Wah Sun Cantonese Restaurant at 747 F. Torres St., Sta. Cruz, Manila where he and his son also resided.

According to police reports, "Bodabil" approached Leung while he was aboard his Nissan Safari van (TSS-818) at about 11:45 p.m.

Reports said the gunman first offered to sell the victim a wristwatch. Leung reportedly refused and the gunman left. The gunman returned shortly and opened fire at the victim four times with a revolver. Leung was killed on the spot after sustaining a bullet wound in the chest.

"Bodabil" then knocked down Leung’s son William, who tried to grab his revolver after the shooting. The killer also reportedly tried to shoot William but the gun did not fire.

Police said "Bodabil," estimated to be at least 43 years old was reportedly high on drugs during the shooting as he lingered at the scene for some minutes challenging William to come out of the van. "Bodabil" then escaped from the scene aboard a Nissan Sentra driven by an unidentified man.

Taluban added that "Bodabil," who reportedly earned his nickname for his jolliness, was also positively identified as the killer by one of the cooks at Wa Sun Restaurant.

Homicide probers ruled out robbery as the motive behind the case.

"The gunman was a frequent figure at the restaurant. He sometimes acted as a runner for some customers looking for buyers of watches and jewelry," Taluban said.