Fil-Korean firm's exec shot dead

BATANGAS, Philippines – A 48-year-old top executive of a Filipino-Korean manufacturing plant was gunned down while on his way to work in Malvar town yesterday morning, police said.

Chief Inspector Edward Mallo, Malvar police chief, said the victim, Fortunato Ortaleza, general manager of Pilipinas Khyoritsu Inc. in Lipa City and a resident of Tanauan City, was cruising the J.P Laurel Highway in Barangay San Fernando on board his Nissan Sentra when he was waylaid by two motorcycle-riding men at around 7:45 a.m. yesterday.

Police said Ortaleza died on the spot from five gunshot wounds. Five spent shells and five slugs from a Super .38 revolver were found at the crime scene.

Witnesses said one of the gunmen escaped on board a waiting white car toward Lipa City.