MANILA, Philippines — A 32-year-old man met his death on Christmas Day after two masked men attacked him while sleeping in his house in Navotas City.
Police identified the fatality as Rhyan Cuarteros, a construction worker residing in Brgy. Tangos-North.
According to a police report, Cuarteros was sleeping at his house with his partner when one of the suspects barged in then tried to pull him out of the house.
However, when Cuarteros resisted, the other suspect shot him twice that led to his immediate death. The men, who were wearing blackface masks, black short pants, and black shirts, fled the scene on foot.
This incident happened at 12:01 a.m. December 25, police said.
Upon examination, Cuarteros was found to have sustained gunshot wounds at his right upper chest and left armpit. Police have also recovered two pieces of the fired cartridge cases from the scene.
The Navotas City Police has conducted a follow-up operation for possible identification and arrest of the suspects.
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David condemned Cuarteros’ murder, saying he was killed in one of their “mission stations.”
“Even as you enjoy Christmas with your family, please whisper a silent prayer of consolation and hope to the Baby Jesus of Bethlehem for Ryan’s family,” David said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“May God hear our prayers for an end to this senseless violence!” he added.