Laborer hacks American to death

MANILA, Philippines - A laborer hacked a 62-year-old American man to death in the victim’s room in Barangay Bangkal, Makati City Saturday night, city police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban said yesterday.

Gerard Galeras, 20, was arrested following the attack on Robert Trotter, who occupied a room at a four-story house along Gen. Del Pilar street.

Witness Dennis Anacajas told police he was at the ground floor of the house when he heard shouts coming from Trotter’s room on the fourth floor at around 9 p.m. Saturday.

He and other occupants of the house rushed to Trotter’s room. Anacajas said he saw Galeras – a resident of Malolos street in Barangay Bangkal, Makati – brandishing a sword as he stood over the victim.

Anacajas said he sought help from the nearest police station while the house’s other tenants detained the suspect. Galeras was arrested by police officers and barangay enforcers, who confiscated his sword, which had a 20-inch blade.

Crime scene investigators recovered three joints of marijuana, two tooters and other drug paraphernalia from Trotter’s room.

Investigators have yet to determine the motive for the attack and whether Galeras was high at the time, Lukban said.