Manila barangay chair shot dead

Mayor Alfredo Lim on Tuesday ordered Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Alex Gutierrez to conduct a thorough probe of  the killing of a barangay chair in Tondo on Monday night.

Saturnino Grutas, 46, the chair of Barangay 101, Zone 8 in Tondo was shot dead as he was crossing the street on his way to his electronic shop, said Insp. Ismael de la Cruz, MPD homicide section officer in charge.

“The perperatrors should be put behind bars and made to pay for their crime,” Lim said after the victim’s family went to him to ask for his help.

De la Cruz, citing the findings of an investigation conducted by SPO1 Ramir Dimagiba, said the shooting took place at 6:10 p.m. in front of Arjay Audio Service Center located at No. 2480 Juan Luna St. in Tondo.

One of the gunman was described as between 50 and 55 years old, of medium build, about 5’7” tall and with kinky hair while the other one was said to be between 40 and 45, about 5’8” tall and also of medium build.

According to information reaching the mayor’s office, the victim was killed to avenge the recent arrest of a notorious holdup man in the area.

Grutas’ wife Emily, however, denied that he was involved in the arrest although he was known for his strong stance against criminality. Erika Sauler