Manila North Cemetery worker shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — A man who does maintenance work on tombs at the Manila North Cemetery was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman on Friday even after begging for his life to be spared, police said.

The Moriones Police identified the victim as Jordan Naronga, 40, who was on his way to work when the gunman tailed him and shot him twice from behind at about 8:25 a.m. inside the cemetery in Barangay 372.

Falling on the ground, the victim begged for his life but the gunman still shot him thrice, according to police.

Police said the victim died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

After the crime, the gunman fled the scene and rode a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle driven by his unidentified cohort then rushed towards the exit of the cemetery.

Recovered from the crime scene were five empty shells of an unknown caliber of firearm.

Initial investigation showed that the victim was released from the Makati City Jail on June 24 after he allegedly figured in a robbery incident and for violating the Omnibus Election Code. Prior to that, he was also released from the Caloocan City Jail on November 7, 2018 for alleged possession of illegal drugs. /je