Sketch of Tsinoy businessman’s killer out

Manila police released yesterday a sketch of the gunman in the murder of a young Chinese-Filipino businessman who was shot dead in Binondo.

Investigators are hopeful that someone would come forward and provide information that would help them get a breakthrough in the two-week old case.

Lester Mancillia, 34, who runs a plastic manufacturing company, was shot by a suspected killer-for-hire in front of the YMCA Building at the corner of Gandara and Soler streets while on his way to a basketball practice.

Witnesses said the gunman, backed by at least two more men, casually walked towards a waiting Starex van and made his getaway.

Police are also investigating if the recent dismissal of a security guard is connected to the killing. "We got information that a guard who had been recently dismissed had an ax to grind against the victim. We are now trying to get more vital information against the guard which may prove useful," investigator Police Officer 2 Jay Santos told The STAR.

The Chinese-Filipino community had earlier expressed fears that crime incidents may escalate with the coming elections, saying Tsinoy traders are usually targeted for kidnap-for-ransom to raise funds for unscrupulous candidates.

Manila Police District director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa assured them that the police are always ready to help them. — Nestor Etolle