Man loses money, life

A pedicab driver who lost money while gambling also ended up losing his life after he was stabbed repeatedly in the stomach by a still unidentified attacker Tuesday. Rudy Porcalla, 42, a resident at 2731 Benilda corner Sunog Apo Sts. in Gagalangin, Tondo, was declared dead on arrival at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. PO3 Jay Santos of the Manila Police District homicide section said the victim went to a neighbor’s wake and left after losing money while gambling. He was later heard shouting for help and emerged from his house, clutching his stomach. Santos said there was a possibility that Porcalla may have known his attacker. Allison W. Lopez

Guard kills self over debts

A security guard was found dead Tuesday morning in an apparent case of suicide. Ironically, Edgardo Capursa, who worked for a credit card company, shot himself in the head to escape his debtors, the police said. According to PO3 Rolando Lipata, the victim’s body was discovered by another security guard, Nicolas Cunado, at the Bankard office located at the 30th floor of the Equitable Towers in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Lipata said a three-page suicide letter was found on a table near the victim’s body. Based on the suicide note, Capursa’s debtors had repeatedly tried to collect from him but he was not able to pay them, the police investigator said. The letter was signed by the victim and the signature seemed to be authentic because it looked similar to Capursa’s signature in the guard logbook, he added. “It’s similar but we have to further investigate and bring it to a handwriting expert to finally rule out foul play and declare a suicide,” the policeman said. He added that the letter was addressed to the victim’s wife. Nancy C. Carvajal

Tambuyog general assembly

The Tambuyog Development Center, a nongovernment organization in the fisheries sector, will hold its 11th general assembly on July 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Access Point, Scout Borromeo, West Triangle, Quezon City. Under the banner “Blazing New Trails, Discovering New Ways,” the assembly aims to redefine Tambuyog’s vision and mission and restructure its programs. A 20-year vision and strategic plan will be discussed and approved, together with a five-year medium term plan. A new board of trustees will be elected. Tambuyog seeks to advance community property rights and promote the sustainable development of Philippine fisheries in the midst of the current struggle for global food security. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. For further information, contact Natz Marzo, 9288289, telefax 9264415 or e-mail admin@tambuyog.org.