P100,000 reward up for Swiss tourists’ killers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The provincial government of Misamis Oriental has offered a P100,000 reward for the capture of the killers of two Swiss tourists.

Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano announced the offer on Tuesday.

Balthasar Johann Erni, 78, and Robert Erich Loeber, 67, were shot at a beach resort in Opol, Misamis Oriental on Sunday. Their two women companions were unhurt.

Inspector Alwin Baclao, Opol police chief, said at least four witnesses, including the driver of the taxi that the alleged gunmen boarded after the shooting, have been interviewed.

He said a task force was created to investigate the shooting.

Opol Mayor Max Seno told The STAR investigators are eyeing a love triangle as the motive for the killing.

 He said police have ruled out robbery because the gunmen did not take any of the victims’ belongings.

Baclao said they are also not discounting business rivalry.