Casino financier killed in Ermita pension

A 40-year-old casino financier was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a hotel in Ermita, Manila Saturday night.

Ramon Catala of Miramar Village, Pagbilao, Quezon succumbed to several stab wounds inside Room 261 of Filipina Pension House in Ermita at about 7:45 p.m.

Suspect Roy Cruz, 24, of 1125 Amethyst street, Ramar Village, Barangay San Agustin, San Fernando City, Pampanga, was immediately arrested.

Investigation showed that Cruz was noticed by a hotel staff coming out from the victim’s room bloodied carrying with him a jewelry box at about 7:20 p.m.

The hotel worker immediately called up the office of Inspector Arthur Baybayan of Sta. Monica police station who quickly arrived in the area with his men resulting in the suspect’s apprehension.

During interrogation, the suspect told police that he went with the victim early that night in the hotel to account for the valuables they earned from their casino-player clients.

He said that after their inventory, he went out of their room a few minutes to relieve himself but was surprised upon his return when he saw somebody stabbing Catala.

Cruz said he came to the rescue of Catala but was also attacked by the knife-wielding man.

Police officer Sgt. Corpuz, under Senior Superintendent Gorgonio Rosero of Police Station 5, however, did not buy the story of Cruz. The WPD homicide section is conducting deeper investigation on the case. – Boy Suarez