Helper stabbed dead over ‘mistaken identity’

A stay-in helper of a lumber store in Tondo, Manila, was stabbed dead early yesterday morning, in what police hinted could be a case of "mistaken identity."

Homicide investigators of the Western Police District identified the victim as Porferio Elirina, 38, a stay-in helper of the Alaska Lumber at 604 Raxa Bago Street, Tondo.

Initial police investigation showed that the victim was standing outside the lumber store at about 12:05 a.m. when he was suddenly attacked by a group of men armed with knives. Police said the victim, who sustained several stab wounds in the body, did not reach the Tondo General Hospital alive, where he was rushed by a group of barangay tanods.

According to police, the victim had a twin brother who had a quarrel with squatter residents in the area several months ago. The victim’s brother had since moved to Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Investigators hinted that the suspects were the ones who had earlier quarreled with the victim’s identical twin brother. Police said the suspects could have mistaken the victim for his twin brother when they spotted him. Police are still tracking down the suspects.

Meanwhile, a fire of still unknown origin, gutted a house in Paco, Manila, yesterday afternoon. No one was reported hurt in the fire that lasted only 11 minutes.

According to arson investigator Fire Officer 3 Gaudencio Magallanes, the fire hit the house of a certain Andresito Fornier, at 1155 Apacible Street at about 2 p.m.

The fire was soon put out by responding firefighters from the Paco Fire Station. – Mike Frialde