Teen killed, 2 hurt in birthday brawl

MANILA, Philippines - A teenager was killed while two others were wounded in a brawl during a birthday celebration in Tondo, Manila Saturday night, police said yesterday.

Benjie Bernovez, 19, reportedly a member of the Exodus gang, died from stab wounds allegedly inflicted by Ryan Bornales and Roberto Jabarillo, whom he allegedly shot with an improvised gun.

Prior to the rumble, Bornales and his friends were celebrating the birthday of his brother-in-law, Jonald Amper, at a small nipa hut near the Bagong Lipunan Condominium II along Rawis Street.

The celebration was interrupted when a neighbor identified only as “Aso,” arrived and sought help, claiming he was attacked by Bernovez and three other Exodus gang members.

Police said Bornales and his group engaged the gang men in a melee. Bernovez reportedly fired three shots, hitting Bornales and Jabarillo. The neighbors of the two wounded victims then attacked Bernovez.

When village watchmen arrived to pacify the warring neighbors, they found Bernovez’s body on the ground. His companions, identified only as “Kevin,” “JR,” and “Val,” immediately fled.

Police said they have yet to identify the persons who killed Bernovez. – Edu Punay