Manhunt launched vs suspects for death, injury of couple

MANILA, Philippines - Police have launched a manhunt against three male members of a Mindanaoan family who allegedly conspired with one another in shooting a couple, resulting in the death of one and injury to another in Port Area, Manila last week.

Chief Inspector Alberto Peco, who heads the homicide section of the Manila Police District, took over the case following the death of Frederick Catalan, 38, of Caloocan City, who succumbed to gunshot wounds in the head yesterday after a week of confinement at the Ospital ng Maynila.

Catalan’s companion, Erika Aureada, 31, a separated mother, of Baseco Compund, Port Area, survived despite sustaining a bullet wound in the nape. She is presently recuperating at an undisclosed place.

Peco identified the suspects as Tom Abdul, 18 to 21 years old, his brother Datu, and their uncle Tho, all residents of Baseco Compound. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, according to Peco.   – Nestor Etolle