San Juan cops release photo of bar gunman

Police released yesterday a photograph of the gunman in the killing of six drivers and the wounding of two others inside a videoke bar in San Juan last July 9.

Relatives of the victims asked the public to report any information on suspect Henry Fong, 27, alias Henry Cuales.

"Sana maituro kaagad kung saan siya nagtatago para madakip siya at managot sa ginawa niyang krimen," one of the relatives of the six slain men said.

Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, San Juan police chief, said witnesses positively identified Fong as the gunman in the killing of Christopher Caedo, 35; Felix Alday, 28; Vladimer Bona, 35; Mario Pastorpili, 42; Ronald Malacad, 27; and Crispen Tambiolan, 39. All were members of the Mix Driver’s Brotherhood Inc.

Wounded in the attack were Bryan Fermin, 26, and Renato Vargas, 40,

Jocson said the police investigation showed that jealousy over a guest relations officer (GRO) sparked the shooting inside the Cheers and Beer KTV bar located at the corner of Araneta Avenue Extension and N. Domingo in Barangay Progreso.

Fong, an owner of the nearby Kambingan Grill, and a certain Danica, a GRO at the Cheers and Beer were lovers.

Jocson said Pastorpili, president of the group of drivers, and Danica were talking outside the KTV bar last July 4 when Fong kicked the former in the leg causing him to fall. Alejandro Balbarona, the floor manager of the bar, was able to pacify the two men.

During the quarrel, Pastorpili introduced himself to Fong as a policeman.

After the monthly meeting of the drivers at the bar last July 9, Pastorpili and a few members stayed behind for a few drinks. Danica was there to entertain them.

When Fong arrived at the establishment, he learned that Pastorpili was not really a policeman.

He accosted his rival, saying he was reporting him for impersonating a police officer.

When Pastorpili refused to go with him to the police station, Fong took out his caliber .45 automatic pistol and opened fire at his rival, hitting him in the chest.

Fong also shot his companions.

A witness claimed that the wounded Caedo was crawling on the floor when Fong finished him off with a bullet to the head.

As he was about to leave, Fong heard the cries of pain from Alday, prompting him to go back and fire a few more shots to his body.

Caedo, Alday and Bona died on the spot.

Pastorpili was declared dead on arrival at the St. Luke’s Hospital, while Malacad and Tambiolan died before reaching the University of the East Medical Center (UERM).

Fermin and Vargas are now listed in stable condition at the UERM.

Jocson personally led two teams of policemen in raiding Fong’s residence in San Mateo, Rizal. The suspect was not around.

The San Juan police chief said they have received reports that Danica was with Fong as he went into hiding.

"We are hoping that the public would help us locate Fong so we can have him arrested," said Jocson, adding they are conducting a background check on the suspect to determine whether he was involved in other crimes. — Non Alquitran