Caucasian man dies of stab wounds

A bloodied Caucasian man failed to reach the hospital alive despite the efforts of a taxicab driver from whom he sought help in Malate, Manila early yesterday.

The foreigner, who was identified as Gordon Barker through calling cards and an automated teller machine (ATM) card in his possession, sustained three stab wounds in the chest.

Dr. Michael Angelo Nuñez of the Ospital ng Maynila declared him dead on arrival, according to a police report.

The victim was described as between 43 and 46 years old, at least 5’10” tall, of medium to heavy build and with blonde hair. He was wearing a black-and-white striped polo shirt, Levis denim pants and black leather shoes.

Aside from the calling cards and an ATM card, a wallet containing P8,700, and $50 and a necklace were recovered from the victim.

Police said driver Saturnino Molina, 60, had just ferried a couple to the Anito Lodge on President Quirino Avenue in Malate past 3 a.m. when Barker suddenly appeared at the driver’s side pleading for help. Molina told police the foreigner was bloodied, prompting him to rush the victim to the nearest hospital on board his RAL taxi with license plate TWS-517.

Molina said he did not notice anyone in the vicinity when the victim asked for help.

Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr., who heads the homicide section of the Manila Police District, made an ocular inspection of the street fronting the hotel and found dried splotches of blood some 60 steps where the victim hailed a cab.

Yanquiling said he received information that a man and a woman were seen having an argument on the exact spot where the traces of dried blood were discovered.

The police are conducting a follow-up investigation of the incident.   – Nestor Etolle