House painter hacked to death

A house painter – reportedly a distant relative of former Caloocan City mayor Macario "Boy" Asistio Jr. and his younger brother, Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio – was hacked to death by his own brother early yesterday in Caloocan City.

Caloocan City police chief Superintendent William Macavinta identified the victim as Serafin Asistio Jr., 28, of Interior 131 Lakas ng Mahirap Street in Barangay 11.

Serafin succumbed to several hack wounds from a 17-inch bolo wielded by his elder brother Lheynid, 38, allegedly a known drug addict. He died before he could be taken to the hospital.

At 12:30 a.m. yesterday, Lheynid, who was high on drugs, allegedly threatened to kill himself using a bolo. Serafin tried to pacify him, but, enraged, Lheynid attacked him in full view of their family and neighbors, police said.

Onlookers sought assistance from Police Community Precinct 8. Responding policemen said they were compelled to shoot Lheynid when he grabbed another bolo and attacked his brother again after he was restrained by neighbors.

Lheynid sustained bullet wounds in his right arm and right leg. He was taken to the MCU Hospital, where he is now confined. Police are now readying appropriate charges against him.

Police officers claimed ignorance when asked to confirm if Serafin and Lheynid were related to the Asistio brothers, who are both running for mayor in the May elections.

Barangay 11 officials said Serafin and Lheynid were indeed related to the Asistios but could not say how.

An independent source told The STAR that the two sets of brothers could be distant relatives.