Mechanic's body found in Tondo creek

MANILA, Philippines –  The body of a suspected victim of summary execution was fished out from an estero (creek) in Tondo, Manila yesterday morning.

The victim was identified by his relatives as motorcycle mechanic Frederick Borja, 34, of Varona street in Tondo. His naked body was discovered by passersby half-submerged under the bridge of Estero Marala at around 6 a.m.

According to Manila police homicide chief Inspector Armando Macaraeg, the victim’s face was wrapped with masking tape and both hands tied behind the back with nylon cord. “No other external signs of injury was noted on the body, indicating he was left to drown in the water,” Macaraeg said.

PO2 Jet Tajonera said the victim had been missing since Wednesday night when he left home with his helper Sherwin Navarro, who is also missing. The victim had P15,000, reportedly given by his sister, when he left that night, Tajonera added. Before he left, the victim was overheard talking on the cell phone to somebody he addressed only as “Pare.”

“We are now zeroing on that angle. The problem is the victim’s cell phone was also missing. His partner and kin were not privy to his other activities, aside from repairing motorcycles,” Tajonera said.

Macaraeg said robbery could not be the prime motive for the summary execution, since no robber would take the time to tie up, undress and drop his victim in the water if the loot was already taken.

Tajonera said there are unconfirmed reports that another body – possibly that of the missing helper – was found floating in Manila Bay.