Teen motorist shot dead in traffic row

MANILA, Philippines - An 18-year-old male student who was driving his car was shot dead during a traffic altercation with man on a motorcycle in Sta. Cruz, Manila Sunday night.

Senior Police Officer 2 Virgo Villareal reported that Manuel Bon Orosco III, of Caloocan City, was driving his car along Rizal Avenue at past 9 p.m. when it was blocked by a motorcycle traveling the wrong way.

Villareal said Orosco alighted from his car and confronted the driver of the motorcycle for driving in the wrong lane. The motorcycle driver pulled out a gun and shot the victim, who was brought by bystanders to the Chinese General Hospital.

He was declared dead on arrival due to a gunshot wound in the face, with the bullet exiting at the back of his head.

Villareal failed to get the type and license plates of the victim’s car. “The victim owned the car,” was his only reply when asked for the description of the victim’s car. Neither could he tell where the victim was studying.

No witnesses could also provide the description of the gunman and his motorcycle, according to Villareal.

Villareal said the shooting is reminiscent of another road rage incident several years ago, when Rolito Go shot and killed student Eldon Maguan over a traffic altercation in San Juan City. Go was convicted and is serving a life sentence.

Last Sept. 28, Senior Police Officer 3 Vidal Bolaños of the Intramuros police community precinct allegedly shot dead seafarer Danielo Gray following a traffic altercation in Ermita, Manila.

Bolaños escaped but surrendered days later.