Equitable exec, escort killed

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan — The manager of the Equitable PCI Bank branch here and one of his two security escorts were killed by holdupmen last Monday afternoon after collecting P2.398 million from a savings bank in nearby Malasiqui town.

Equitable executive Fernando Fortich Sy, 52, who was also a barangay chairman here, and his escort, Arturo Mariado, 33, were aboard an owner-type jeep owned by the bank when they were waylaid in Barangay Coliling, according to Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, provincial police director.

Probers said Sy had just collected P2,398,000 from the University Savings and Loan Bank in Malasiqui when still unidentified men aboard a white car fired at them.

Sy and Mariado died on the spot. Sy’s second security escort, Julie Bandong Ferrer, 33, was unhurt. Police found six M-16 Armalite shells at the crime scene. — Eva de Leon