Businessman's security aide shot dead

MANILA, Philippines – A man who worked as a businessman’s private driver and security aide was ambushed and killed by two motorcycle-riding gunmen who had been tailing him along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City Friday night.

Chief Inspector Benjamin Elenzano, Quezon City Police District investigation chief, identified the victim as Hipolito Andrade, 45, a resident of Miramila Homes in Barangay Tandang Sora.

Records show Andrade was riding a motorcycle on his way home from work in Tondo, Manila at 11:30 p.m. when he was waylaid in front of the Pegasus Club at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Scout Chuatoco street.

Police said witnesses saw two men on a motorcycle speeding away from the crime scene shortly after the shooting.

Witness Roberto Padios, a guard at the club, said Andrade was driving his motorcycle when he appeared to have realized he was being tailed and suddenly pulled over to the side.

With the engine still running, Andrade took his cell phone and called a number while looking over his shoulder.

He was in this position when the gunmen approached and the man riding in the back shot him in the head and chest.

Police said the motive for Andrade’s killing has yet to be established. – Jerry Botial