Police identified the victim as jeepney driver Ricky Villagracia, 29, of 88 Aglipay St., Mandaluyong City. The unidentified suspect who fled after the incident, was described by witnesses as medium built, 5’7" in height and about 40 years old.
According to police, Villagracia’s jeepney and the suspect’s car collided at about 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Castañeda and F. Roxas Streets.
Witnesses said a heated argument ensued. Suddenly, they saw the suspect get a pistol from his car and shoot the victim once in the chest.
The suspect immediately drove away as concerned bystanders rushed the victim to the Mandaluyong Medical Center where he died upon arrival.
Meanwhile, a 43-year-old Japanese tourist allegedly committed suicide by leaping from the 7th floor of an apartelle in Ermita, Manila at 4:30 yesterday morning.
Homicide investigators identified the alleged suicide as Ken Furuta, billeted at room 712 of the Mabini Mansion.
According to apartelle staff, prior to the incident, they heard a loud noise coming from Furuta’s room. Investigators hinted that a business-related problem could have pushed Furuta to commit suicide. Police are coordinating with the Japanese Embassy on the case.
In Tondo, Manila, a 25-year-old porter was killed by a speeding van in Pier 14 also yesterday morning.
Investigators identified the victim as Alvino Dungo, of Road 10, Claravelle Compound, Moriones, Tondo. Dungo was walking along Pier 14 when the speeding unmarked white L-300 van hit him at around 5:10 a.m. The impact threw the victim some meters away but the van sped on. – Mike Frialde