Victim James Ireneo Manzano, a Mass Communications student of AMA College, and a resident of Cauliflower Street, Greenwoods Executive Village in Pasig City was found dead with a stab wound in the stomach. Police recovered a knife near the victim’s body, which was found by janitor Gregorio Ripaldan lying on its back at about 6:05 a.m. at the parking area of Palma Hall, Arts and Science Building inside the UP campus.
Investigators have not yet determined any motive for the killing, nor have they arrested any suspect. But police sources said that the assailants could have been ‘drug addicts’ or ‘thrill-killers’. Authorities said they have ruled out robbery because Manzano’s wallet, mobile phone and other belongings were not missing. They said that the victim sent a text message to his mother Maureen the other night at about 7 p.m., saying that he was on his way home after attending Mass at the UP chapel.
Manzano was alone at the time and police theorized he was killed while walking along a dimly lit portion of the school campus. Elements of the Central Police District recovered the victim’s cellphone, which showed over 20 missed calls from his family.
CPD Station Commander Superintendent Rogelio Quilang broke the news to Manzano’s sister using the cellphone. – Matthew Estabillo