Vendor slain by couple in Manila

A50-year-old vendor in Manila died last Saturday in the hands of a couple who attacked him while he was having a heated argument with his live-in partner.

Police identified the victim as Leo Monreal, a resident of Arroceros Street, Ermita. His assailants, meanwhile, are Dennis Esguerra and his live-in partner Kim Membala.

Investigation showed that Monreal’s live-in partner, Sarah Johayra Mutya, arrived about 7:30 p.m. at their stall at Mehan Garden near Park and Ride. Angered that she arrived late, Monreal chastised Mutya and ran after her before the couple ended up running around the push cart of the suspects.

Membala got irritated by the disturbance and shouted at the couple to stay away from her store. Mutya heeded Membala’s remarks and went straight to her children. However, Monreal confronted and argued with the suspects.

Esguerra then grabbed a piece of wood and hit Monreal at the back while Membala stabbed the victim in the body with a knife. The suspects fled on foot immediately after the incident.

The victim was rushed to the Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital but died from two stab wounds in the lower part of his chest.

Police are currently locating the whereabouts of the suspects. (Rachel Joyce E. Burce)