Trader kills partner, self in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - A 45-year-old trader reportedly killed his 26-year-old live-in partner before committing suicide in their house in Tondo, Manila past midnight yesterday.

The bodies of the couple were discovered at the second floor of the house on Varona street at around 12:20 a.m., according to investigator Police Officer 3 Jay Santos.

The body of Krisleen Celis, a former call center agent, was found lying on a couch, while that of Valentino Perez, a former jeepney operator, was hanging by a nylon strap from the ceiling.

According to Lilibeth Cruz, Valentino’s sister, the couple had been living together for more than five years, with Krisleen’s daughter from a previous relationship. 

The couple had several previous quarrels, with Krisleen wanting to end their relationship, Lilibeth told the police.

Lilibeth also showed police a text message she received from her brother before the discovery of the couple’s bodies. Valentino reportedly said he “accidentally” killed Krisleen following a confrontation on her alleged infidelity.

Valentino also asked forgiveness from his siblings and parents and claimed he was already fed up with Krisleen’s alleged unfaithfulness.

Santos said the cause of Krisleen’s death remains undetermined since her body bore no external signs of physical injury. He said Krisleen may have been smothered with a pillow, though “an autopsy will reveal the cause of her death.”