Couple killed, robbed in lodging house

MANILA, Philippines - A couple from Palawan were shot dead after they were robbed in their room at a lodging house in Parañaque City Wednesday night.

The bodies of Jonathan and Melody Mariano were discovered by a roomboy at the Sharmina Lodging House in Barangay Baclaran at around 6:30 p.m.

Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Arojado said Jonathan, 35, was shot in the head while Melody, 33, suffered two gunshot wounds in the body.

He said the roomboy was at the lodging house’s third floor when he saw blood seeping from the couple’s room. He told the establishment’s manager and they broke down the door.

Police said the victims’ wallet and cellular phones were missing, and their belongings were in disarray. Strands of hair were found on Melody’s hands - an indication of a struggle, police said.

Police said the couple would often rent a room in the lodging house after buying goods for their business in the province.