PNP: Chinese suspect in hotpot shooting an ‘undesirable alien’

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese suspect in a shooting at a hotpot restaurant in Makati that killed a fellow Chinese national has been classified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an “undesirable alien.”

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the suspect has been involved in criminal activities both in the Philippines and China.

“In fact, his passport has been canceled,” Fajardo said.

In 2022, police said the suspect was charged with car theft, but was freed on bail.

The assailant was recorded on closed-circuit television footage shooting the 29-year-old victim in a private room of the restaurant on Oct. 17.

The suspect fired at the victim four times at close range, hitting his hand, arm and chest.

The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The suspect and his companions fled after the shooting.

Police said efforts to locate the suspects are ongoing.

Fajardo said the two Chinese are business partners who engaged in a heated argument prior to the shooting.

Initial investigation indicated that the motive for the killing may be business-related, with potential connections to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) facility in Makati.

Reports said the restaurant has ties to POGO operations.