Malaysian IT expert dies after smashing bar

MANILA, Philippines - Police are investigating the death of a 28-year-old Malaysian information technology expert who lost consciousness and died in Ermita, Manila Wednesday morning after destroying the furniture and fixtures of a bar that had been closed for months.

Woon Chun Liang, who worked as an information analyst of a business outsourcing firm, was declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Maynila. Except for abrasions on his right hand, no other external physical injury was noted on the victim’s body, according to Senior Police Officer 3 Paul Dennis Javier.

SPO3 Ernesto Manaois and PO2 Allan de Leon, who responded to a call for assistance after Woon allegedly went berserk, brought the victim to the hospital.

Inspector Armando Maca­raeg, who heads the homicide section of the Manila Police District (MPD), said the victim arrived at the lobby of the Valentino Resto bar along Adriatico street in Ermita at around 8 a.m.

Shortly after, the victim went to the second floor where the Unique Asia Music Lounge and Café Restaurant was located. The bar, reportedly owned by a Malaysian, had been closed for the past three months.

A parking attendant then heard sound of glass being smashed at the second floor. He reported the incident to barangay officials, who then sought police assistance.

Manaois and De Leon said they saw Woon sitting in the hallway, exhausted and gasping for breath. They said the attendant helped them carry Woon into the police car, and handed them a sachet of white powder reportedly recovered from the victim’s pants pocket.

By the time the victim reached the hospital, he was already unconscious and his mouth was frothing, according to the police.

Javier submitted the recovered substance to the MPD laboratory for analysis. Macaraeg said Woon’s body will be examined to determine the cause of death.

The victim’s family was notified through the Malaysian embassy.