Four die during celebrations in Manila

Violence marred Christmas celebrations in several places in Manila yesterday, resulting in the death of four people, including a 16-year-old boy.

Two hours before the stroke of midnight, a rumble between two warring fraternity gangs broke out in Paco. When it was over, 16-year-old John Robin Nido was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila for a gunshot wound in the head. He died before reaching the hospital.

Officer-on-case SPO2 Virgo Villareal said members of both gangs have refused to cooperate in the investigation. However, he received information from emissaries that witnesses are willing to come forward in exchange for police protection.

Elsewhere, at around 3 a.m. in Tondo, Paul Martinez, 36, was stabbed dead by a barangay tanod. Witnesses said the victim was talking to his sister in front of his house after having the traditional Noche Buena when barangay tanod Richard Tuaño sneaked in from behind and stabbed him in the chest. Martinez failed to reach Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital alive.

Investigator SPO2 Benito Cabatbat said the assailant is now in hiding. The motive for the killing was still being established by the police.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old ex-convict in Sta. Ana was stabbed dead by an intruder while he was having a quarrel with his wife at past 10 a.m.

Police said a drunk Anthony Alamil, a "Bahala Na" gang member, was shouting invectives to his wife outside their house when a man armed with a knife stabbed him in the abdomen. Alamil was rushed to the Chinese General Hospital but died while undergoing treatment.

At past noon, police rushed to investigate a shooting in Tondo, where Dondon Godino, 30, was killed by a still unidentified gunman. Police still have no idea why Godino was shot.

Manila Police District acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa said most of yesterday’s violence was apparently triggered by drunkenness.