Trader killed in ambush after high school reunion

A Chinese-Filipino businessman who was on his way home after a reunion with his Chinese classmates was shot dead Thursday night in his vehicle by motorcycle-riding men in Malate, Manila.

Jason Chua, 44, was driving his Range Rover on P. Ocampo Street near the corner of Mabini when attacked around 10 p.m., according to PO3 Marlon San Pedro of the Manila Police District.

The gunmen approached the Range Rover from behind after it came to a full stop at a red light, and fired several shots at the vehicle until Chua was hit in the head. The victim died on the spot.

At least 11 .45-cal. bullet casings were later recovered at the scene.

A report from the MPD Malate station added that Chua, who was into the plastics business, was then on his way back to his condo in Ermita after having a get-together with high school classmates from China at Century Seafood Restaurant, also in Malate.

The assailants were last seen fleeing toward Taft Avenue. They both wore ball caps that made it difficult for witnesses to give clear descriptions to the police.

Homicide investigators said they had yet to determine the motive behind the ambush, as the victim’s family members maintained they knew of no one who would have wanted the businessman dead. With a report from Jacqueline Arias