MANILA, Philippines — The killing of an Australian man and two Filipinas in a hotel in Tagaytay, Cavite is deemed solved after criminal complaints were filed against the suspect, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.
Charges of robbery with homicide were filed against the suspect, known only as Ronel, PNP public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said.
With the alleged killer in police custody, Fajardo said investigators have solved the case.
“Under the PNP parameters, the case is considered solved. We just hope that the anguish of the victims’ family will be lessened with the suspect’s arrest,” Fajardo told reporters.
Australian David James Fisk, 57, his Filipina wife Lucita, 55, and her daughter Mary Jane Cortez, 30, were found dead in a room at the Lake Hotel in Barangay Maharlika West, Tagaytay on July 10.
Citing the findings of probers, Fajardo said robbery was the suspect’s motive as he wanted to avenge his dismissal from work by the hotel management.
The suspect also had a criminal record, having been arrested for illegal possession of firearms, police said.
Tagaytay police chief Lt. Col. Charles Capagcuan said Fisk’s jewelry, wallet and other belongings were missing.
“Initially, robbery was the motive, but since three persons were killed during the incident, it became complex crimes,” Fajardo said.
The suspect admitted to the crime.
Fisk bore a wound in his neck, which was caused by a bladed weapon. The other victims died of asphyxia by suffocation.
Last March, Ronel was terminated as a pool attendant for allegedly stealing from one of the hotel’s rooms and demanding back pay, which the management refused. – Ed Amoroso