Pedicab driver's slay mars Tondo fiesta

A pedicab driver was shot dead as he parked on the curb to give way to a group of people who were to take part in the annual Sto. Niño parade in Tondo, Manila last Saturday.

Investigators at the Manila Police District Homicide Division said the unidentified victim was gunned down along Perla Street near the corner of Varona Street at around 7:30 p.m.

The victim, between 20 and 25 years old, 5’5" tall, with medium build, was shot in the back and was declared dead on arrival by attending doctors at the Mary Johnston Hospital, investigators said.

Witness Aquilino Nepomuceno said he heard a “firecracker” explode, and noticed the pedicab driver slump forward on his seat. He and other passersby brought the victim to the nearest hospital but failed to save him.

Police also continued investigating the death of three-year-old Bea Vinoya, who was crushed by a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus that toppled from the sidecar of a tricycle.

Prober SPO2 Richard Lumbad they will check if someone could be held liable for the incident. He said the seven-foot statue had been placed in the sidecar for the Sto. Niño fiesta parade yesterday. – Edu Punay