Cops nab doctor tagged in slay of metal worker

MANILA, Philippines—A doctor accused of shooting dead a laborer and wounding another was arrested Thursday night in Quezon City, the authorities said.

Dr. Arnold de Vera, 57, is now in the custody of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit following the attack at the corner of New York Street and E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Barangay Immaculate Conception.

Case investigator Senior Police Officer 1 Cristituto Zaldarriaga said the suspect, reportedly a surgeon, was tagged in the death of Erwin Laguidao, 27, a metal worker.

The fatality’s nephew, Renato Laguidao, 18, suffered a gunshot wound in the left shoulder.

Zaldarriaga learned that Erwin and Renato were employed as metal workers at the House of Precast, also along E. Rodriguez Ave.

Police said the victims were having drinks with their co-workers at a bakery near their workplace when the shooting occurred at 9:10 p.m. Thursday.

The doctor arrived at the bakery, allegedly drunk, and started shouting invectives at Erwin and Renato then immediately left.

But 15 minutes later, as the victims were leaving the bakery, De Vera allegedly fired several shots at them.

Renato later told police that De Vera had a dispute with one of their co-workers, a certain Randy, who already left the drinking session when the doctor arrived.

The victims were rushed to nearby St. Luke’s Medical Center but Erwin died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Barangay watchmen in the area who quickly responded to the shooting, arrested De Vera and seized from him a .45 cal. pistol.