Taxi driver shot dead in Vito Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — A taxi driver was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding gunman near the Vito Cruz Station of the Philippine National Railways in Manila on Wednesday.

According to police, prior to the shooting, taxi driver Juanchito Flores, 45, picked-up two passengers in front of a mall in Makati City.

Police said the taxi cab then stopped at a traffic light along Pablo Ocampo Street near corner of Zobel Roxas Street in Sta. Ana when one of the two suspects bumped the taxi’s side mirror.

The incident triggered a heated argument between the suspect and the victim, police said.

Police said the taxi then continued traversing the street but the suspects overtook it. The suspects then blocked the taxi with their motorcycle on reaching the corner of Perlita Street in San Andres Bukid.

One of the suspects then alighted from the motorcycle and approached the taxi. The suspect, police said, then pulled out a gun and fired at the victim thrice.

The suspects then fled aboard their motorcycle after the shooting, police said.

Police officers from the Dagonoy Police Community Precinct heard the gunshots and responded to the crime scene. A follow-up operation was also launched to track down the suspects.

Police said Flores was rushed to Ospital ng Maynila but was declared dead on arrival. /muf