Manhunt on for Caloocan shooter

MANILA, Philippines — Police are digging deeper into a shooting at a wake in Caloocan last Thursday when a 17-year-old and a man were killed by a still unidentified assailant. 

Caloocan police chief Col. Noel Flores yesterday said they are still looking at other angles, although initial investigation showed that a gang member shot dead Crisanto Santiago, 29, over a grudge due to gambling.

“Mababaw masyado pag sugal (Gambling is too shallow), there must be an aggravating circumstance,” Flores told The STAR yesterday.

Santiago was at a wake engaged in a coin gambling game of cara y cruz along Balagtas street in Barangay 143 Thursday night when the assailant opened fire, hitting 17-year-old Jasper Esliza and Joshua Arcega, 27.

Santiago and the minor were instantly killed in the attack, while Arcega was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Police launched a manhunt for the assailant without discounting other possible motives, Flores said.