Nurse, worker slain by rider they helped

MANILA, Philippines — A nurse and a construction worker were shot dead by a motorcycle rider they helped in Barangay 173, Caloocan on April 28, police said yesterday.

Nurse Mark John Blanco, 38, assisted rider Joel Vecino, 54, who fell from his motorcycle due to intoxication, according to police.

Maj. Segundino Bulan, commander of the Caloocan police Sub-station 9, told Interaksyon that Blanco helped Vecino get back on his motorcycle.

Vecino was initially unable to start his motorcycle and blamed Blanco, shooting the nurse in the head and arm with a 9mm Glock pistol, according to Bulan.

A female bystander who witnessed the incident cried out for help.

Construction worker Willy Maranom, 39, heard her and went to the scene. Vecino shot him in the chest, police said.

The suspect sped away from the scene on his motorcycle but was caught when he hit a vehicle.

Recovered from the scene were a white Yamaha R15 motorcycle, three fired bullet casings, a 9mm magazine and a Glock 19X 9mm handgun with serial number AGGL666.

Vecino was charged with two counts of murder before the Caloocan prosecutor’s office on April 30.

Vecino claimed to be a former politician’s security officer but was found to be an assistant detachment commander of Great Star Security Services in Laguna.