Bodyguard tagged in QC shootings falls

MANILA, Philippines - A man who works as a bodyguard was caught in a drain tunnel yesterday morning, three days after allegedly killing a hairstylist and a taxi driver in Lagro, Quezon City.

Larry Benuya, 38, may have been hiding in the drain tunnel at Casa Milan Subdivision since the shootings, according to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.

Benuya was still wearing the green shirt he wore when he allegedly shot dead hairstylist Jake Gasper and taxi driver Norberto Espiritu Jr., Pagdilao said.

QCPD Station 5 commander Superintendent Dennis de Leon said they received a phone call from the subdivision’s security office about a man in the tunnel. Police officers in civilian clothes snuck into the tunnel to catch Benuya.

Policemen recovered from the suspect a magazine for a .45 caliber pistol, five shells and a mobile phone. No gun was found on Benuya’s person.

Benuya is the suspect tagged in the killing of Gasper in a salon along Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik. 

Pagdilao said Gasper, who used to work at the salon, was visiting and talking to former colleagues when Benuya, who was having a foot spa service, pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the head in front of the salon’s employees and customers.

Benuya boarded a bus bound for SM Fairview but alighted a few meters away. 

He then flagged down a cab driven by Espiritu, who refused to convey him. This irked the suspect, who pulled his gun and shot Espiritu twice in the body.

Benuya then boarded a passenger bus towards Caloocan and San Jose Del Monte.

QCPD spokesperson Senior Inspector Maricar Taqueban said investigators are looking into the possibility that Benuya might have a mental condition. She said the motives for the killings remain unclear.

Pagdilao commended the swift action of the police officers and the security personnel who informed the station.