Man shot dead in Tondo after friend addressed girl ‘ugly’

MANILA, Philippines — An “ugly” greeting led to the death of a man, who was shot early Tuesday morning in Tondo, Manila, police said.

A report from the Manila Police District-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (MPD-CIDU) showed victim Kevin Monsod, roughly aged 18 to 23 and 5’8” tall, was shot 2:20 a.m. by a still unidentified gunman at the corner of Quezon and Concha Streets. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Based on initial investigation, Monsod and two companions were walking in the area when a motorcycle driven by the gunman passed by them. Three girls, one of whom appeared to be an acquaintance of the victim’s companion, were aboard the motorcycle.

Someone in Monsod’s group greeted one of the female passengers “pangit” (ugly), which apparently irked the motorcycle driver.

“Hindi nagustuhan ng suspect, nagmura,” said MPD Station 1 commander Police  Lt. Col. Reynaldo Areta Magdaluyo in a phone interview with INQUIRER.net on Wednesday.

Monsod then kicked the motorcycle, according to Magdaluyo. The group also chased the motorcycle, which eventually stopped at the corner of the streets, he added.

At this point, the rider alighted and suddenly fired at Monsod’s group. The victim was hit while his two companions managed to run away to escape.

Village officials responded to the scene and rushed Monsod to a nearby hospital, where the victim was declared dead around 3:05 a.m.

Police said investigation is still ongoing and that the gunman remains at large. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)