Couple slain over balato in Navotas

Luck ran out on a husband-and-wife gambling tandem when they were shot dead while another was seriously wounded over balato money in Navotas Sunday night.

The fatalities were identified as Salvador dela Cruz, 33, and his wife, Tonya, 30, of Sitio Sto. Niño, North Bay Boulevard, Navotas, who both succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Treated at the Tondo Medical Center was Carlito Gonzales, the victim-couple’s neighbor and nephew of suspect Edgar Agustin. Gonzales was hit by a stray bullet in the right armpit.

Investigation showed that the incident took place at about 8:45 p.m. in front of Rabago Ship Builder, near the victim’s house.

Town police commander Superintendent Roberto Villanueva said that before the incident happened, the couple who were on their way home, had just won in a betting game called "ending" (a numbers game using results of local professional basketball games).

"The couple was said to be in a jolly mood as they had just won a big pot in the "ending" game. They were allegedly met by Agustin who asked for a share of their winnings," Villanueva said.

Investigator Danny Ferrer said when the victims refused to give the suspect a balato, Agustin, without any more fuss, pulled out his gun and shot the husband and wife several times. Agustin quickly fled carrying the fatal weapon with him.

Villanueva ordered his men from the follow-up unit to conduct a manhunt and arrest the suspect.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man was killed yesterday while trying to cross the railroad tracks in Parañaque City. – Jerry Botial and Marvin Sy