Cops warn vs 'cable guy'

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District is warning the public against getting the services of a man who installs cable television illegally, saying he left his last known victim for dead after hogtying and repeatedly stabbing her.

Shi Ming Xun, 45, hired the suspect to fix her cable installation at her Binondo apartment after it was cut off by the cable company. The cable installer is reportedly known to her, according to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

The cable installer, after attacking Shi, took her money and jewelry, police said. Shi managed to call her brother, who rushed her to the hospital. She has been declared out of danger, but she has moved to another residence out of fear.

“I am warning the residents that this dangerous cable guy is still roaming the streets and may still be offering his services. Transact only with authorized cable companies,” Yabut said. 

He said the suspect offers his services to Filipino-Chinese residents in Binondo who want to have illegal cable television installed for a lesser fee. However, when he sees an opportunity, he robs and may even kill his victim, warned Yabut.

Senior Police Officer 2 Ver Navarro, chief of the station’s anti-crime operatives, said the suspect has been using the names of “Alvin” and “Leo” in dealing with his customers. He is also using the service receipt of Global Cable, Inc., where he used to work before.

Navarro described the suspect as a balding, round-faced man standing at least 5’4” tall.                     – Nestor Etolle