Police believe an old grudge sparked the killing of Mario Pastorpili, 42, president of the Mix Driver’s Association; Christopher Caedo, 35; Felix Alday, 28; Vladimir Bona, 35; Ronald Malacad, and Crispin Lambollan, 33.
Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, San Juan police chief, ordered a manhunt for the suspect identified as Henry Fong alias Henry Cuales, a member of the Sako Gang robbery group operating in Metro Manila.
Jocson said Pastorpili and about 30 members of the association were holding their monthly meeting at the Cheers and Beers KTV Bar located on G. Araneta Avenue in Barangay Progreso, when the attack took place.
The group is composed of drivers of wealthy families and businessmen in Metro Manila and other parts of the country, police said.
Fong casually walked in at about 6 p.m. and asked for Pastorpili, who was presiding over the meeting, according to police investigator PO1 Alexander Dedumo.
Dedumo said Pastorpili stood up and identified himself as the president of the group.
After the suspect confronted Pastorpili, an argument ensued.
During the verbal exchange, Fong pulled out a caliber .45 automatic pistol and opened fire at Pastorpili at close range, hitting him in the left armpit.
When Pastorpili fell to the floor bleeding, Fong emptied his handgun on members of the group.
"Isa-isang binaril nang malapitan ng suspect ang mga biktima," a waiter of the establishment said.
Fong casually walked out of the bar and fled on board a white Mazda sedan.
Caedo, Alday and Bona sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.
Pastorpili was declared dead on arrival at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City, while Malacad and Lambollan expired at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center.
Those wounded were identified as Bryan Fermin, 26, and Renato Vargas, 40, both of San Francisco del Monte, in Quezon City. They are now being treated at the UERMMC.
Police recovered 15 empty shells at the crime scene.
Jocson said Fong is a member of the Sako robbery gang and was arrested in Marikina City two years ago. He is also facing illegal possession of firearms charges in Cainta, Rizal.
Jocson said Fong and Pastorpili had quarreled at the same establishment last June 4.
"Mukhang rumesbak lang itong si Fong," he said.
Jocson personally led a team of crack operatives in raiding Fong’s suspected hideout in San Mateo, Rizal, but failed to find the suspect.
"Our follow-up operations would be without let-up until he lands in jail," the San Juan police chief said.