Man shoots friend over double-cross

A man fired all the bullets in his .38 caliber revolver pointblank at a longtime friend who reportedly double-crossed him at a shantytown in Malabon City Sunday night.

Neighbors said Victoriano Mondares, 26, killed barangay tanod Antonio Lopez, 41, of Gozon Complex, Letre Road, in Barangay Tonsuya after the victim left him out in the sharing of proceeds from illegal water and power connections.

Police Officer Peter Rios said the motive for the killing has yet to be officially established.

The shantytown is reportedly a haven for criminals and police officers would think twice before entering the area.

Lopez was one of the suspects in the killing of Alberto Orsolino, a photojournalist from the tabloid Saksi, in July 2005. Lopez was also suspected to be involved in the killing of Dick Melendres, 41, a photographer from the tabloid Tanod, the following month.

Orsolino and Melendres were residents of Barangay Tonsuya and unconfirmed reports have it that they received proceeds from the illegal utility connections.

Witnesses said Mondares was preparing to load his gun with another set of bullets when he sensed neighbors approaching the crime scene. He fled on a motorcycle and remains at large.

The victim was taken to the Tondo Medical Center for treatment but died along the way.      – Jerry Botial