2nd body found in Manila in 2 days

MANILA, Philippines - The body of a man suspected to be a victim of summary execution – the second in two days – was discovered past midnight yesterday in Ermita, Manila, police records showed.

The victim, described as between 38 and 46 years old, slim, with balding hair, at least 5’4” tall, heavily tattooed and wearing a white t-shirt and denim pants, was found by a passerby at the back of the Philippine Post Office building in Ermita.

Police said the victim bore several stab wounds, made in a circular pattern near the heart, and ligature marks in the mouth. His head was found wrapped in a black and orange bandana.

Investigators said residents could not identify the victim. Police believe he was killed elsewhere and his body dumped in the area.

Last Friday, a body of a man, also believed to be a summary execution victim, was found stuffed in a rice sack floating in a Binondo creek.

The victim was described as between 45 and 55 years old, at least 5’4”, medium built, with fair complexion, and with upper front teeth missing. He was clad in green t-shirt and black short pants and heavily tattooed, prominent of which is the Commando Gang.

The victim’s face was covered with a white hand towel and wrapped with packaging tapes. A steel wire was looped around his neck, hands tied with plastic straw and the feet bound with steel wire.  – Nestor Etolle