Cops hunt down suspects in slay of worker

MANILA, Philippines - Police are now hunting down at least seven men who reportedly beat up and stabbed to death a male worker who made the mistake of disturbing their drinking session past midnight yesterday in Tondo, Manila.

The victim, Erwin Acedillo, 27, was declared dead on arrival at the Mary Johnston Hospital for multiple stab wounds in the face and body.

Homicide section chief Inspector Armando Macaraeg said the victim was a helper of a soft drink dealer. The victim and his co-worker reportedly passed by a group of drinkers on the street on their way to a store to buy cigarette. The drinkers reportedly resented the passing of the workers when they have to stand up to give way to them.

The drinkers were more annoyed when the workers passed by again on their way back.

One of the suspects reportedly broke a bottle and chased the two workers who ran away. However, the suspects caught up on the victim and repeatedly stabbed him with the broken bottle. One of the suspects also slashed the face of the victim with the same bottle.

Macaraeg said his men are now gathering witnesses who can establish the identities of the suspects. “If we can only find even one of the suspects he can lead us to the identities and whereabouts of his companions,” Macaraeg said.