Pedicab driver slain over ‘tong-its’

A pedicab driver was stabbed dead yesterday morning in Navotas by a card-player he had suspected of cheating in a game of "tong-its," a popular card game.

Navotas police chief Superintendent Roberto Villanueva said victim Alex Carlito, 29, a resident of Block 6, Lot 1, Phase 2, Area 3, Kaunlaran Village, Caloocan City succumbed to several stab wounds in the back at the Tondo Medical Center.

Police are now looking for suspect Sunny Dorin, 29, single and a resident of Block 25, Lot 20, Phase 2, Area 4, Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas who fled right after the incident.

PO2 Charlie Bontigao of the Navotas police Station Investigation Division (SID) said the stabbing occurred at around 2 a.m.

Witnesses said the victim and the suspect were playing a game of "tong-its" when a heated argument erupted between them.

In the course of the game, Carlito said he felt he was being cheated by Dorin, who resented his accusation. Carlito left in a huff. A few minutes later, the victim and a friend decided to call it a day and also left the card game.

Unknown to Carlito, a still resentful Dorin lay in wait for him in a dark portion of the road. As the victim passed-by, Dorin ambushed Carlito, stabbing him several times in the back. – Jerry Botial