‘My Way’ claims another singer’s life

Another life was claimed before dawn yesterday for singing the siren song.

A 27-year-old man was shot dead allegedly by his "compadre" in Tondo, Manila for singing "My Way" off key.

Police said Ronnie Aragon, single and a resident of 401 C-Interior 32, Perla street, Tondo, died while being taken to the Mary Johnston Hospital due to a single gunshot wound in the body.

Investigator PO3 Rodelio Lingcong said the suspect, a certain Ricky Herrera, escaped after the incident which took place shortly after midnight Saturday.

Witnesses told probers that prior to the shooting, the victim and the suspect were drinking in a karaoke bar on 1607 Odyssey st. in Bangkusay, Tondo.

After downing at least five bottles of beer each, police said the "compadres" had a heated argument over possession of the microphone when the song "My Way" was played.

Witnesses claimed the suspect tried to grab the precious microphone from the victim, because the latter was singing off key, triggering a heated argument on who should have his way with the mike.

At the height of the quarrel, the two finally decided to settle things outside the establishment. Minutes later, a gunshot rang out and Aragon was left sprawled on the ground.

Police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect.

There are no available statistics on how many have died over the singing of the old Frank Sinatra hit in a karaoke joint, considered by habitués to be the "serial killer" of such bars.