Brothers hunted for doctor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - Police have launched a manhunt for two brothers believed to have killed a pediatrician, whose body was found in the septic tank of his house in San Mateo, Rizal on Sunday.

The body of Jesus Comedida, 60, had stab wounds in the neck and chin, and his head bore a bump.

Earlier reports identified Comedida as Jesus Jumidito.

Comedida was naked when found by police officers in the septic tank of his house in Bancom Subdivision in Barangay Gulod Malaya at around 9 a.m.

Rizal police director Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba said they are looking for the victim’s 17-year-old “adopted” son and his 13-year-old brother, who were last seen leaving the house on Friday.

Balba said Comedida’s two laptop computers and two phones were missing.

Neighbors said they heard Comedida scolding the two for his missing phone and computer.

San Mateo police chief Superintendent Ruben Piquero said Comedida had a vacation abroad and left behind his “adopted” son to look after the house.

Piquero said Comedida did not know that the boy’s younger brother would come to the house while he was abroad.

He said the victim could have been killed on Thursday, a few hours after the two suspects were seen leaving the house.

Comedida’s relatives reported him missing after his clients informed them that the doctor had not reported in his clinics.

Piquero said investigators searched the victim’s house and found the cement covering the septic tank still fresh.