Customs executive's aides ambushed

MANILA, Philippines - Two men working for the Bureau of Customs’ law department chief were ambushed by three-motorcycle-riding gunmen in Malate, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Police said the real target of the ambush, lawyer Edward Ibera, was spared since he was not in his car when the suspects peppered the vehicle with bullets.

Helper Melchor Regunay, 39, was declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Maynila for multiple gunshot wounds in the head and body. His cousin, family driver Adonis Regunay, 34, is reportedly in serious condition at the Manila Doctor’s Hospital. A bullet is reportedly still lodged in his head.

Police said the two men were waiting for their employer in the Toyota V-6 at the corner of Singalong and San Andres streets when they were attacked.

“Ibera had been receiving death threats through text messages before the ambush,” Senior Police Officer 4 Ed Paterno said, adding the threats on Ibera’s life are “work-related.”   – Nestor Etolle