Road rage suspect named

MANILA, Philippines - A man reported to be a high-rolling poker player is the prime suspect in the road rage killing of an information technology professional last week, a Quezon City Police District (QCPD) official said yesterday.

Fredison Atienza, alias Sonson, is allegedly the man who shot dead Anthony Mendoza during a traffic altercation at the intersection of Quezon and D. Tuazon Avenues on Saturday afternoon, said Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, QCPD director.

Sources said Atienza is reportedly connected to a jueteng (an illegal numbers game) lord and known in casinos for his hotheadedness.

The victim’s brother, Michael, who witnessed the shooting, identified Atienza as the driver of the Toyota Land Cruiser (AHA-3558).

Michael said when investigators showed him Atienza’s photo, he started crying and had a flashback.

The Land Cruiser was also turned over to police yesterday by a “friend” of Atienza, identified as Alfamil Yap, upon the advice of Atienza’s lawyer Mark Petriarca.

The vehicle’s surrender was done as a gesture of goodwill of the registered owner, Atienza’s daughter, Hazel Joyce, Eleazar said.

Atienza remains at large.

Probers said the Mendoza brothers were riding a motorcycle and cut in front of Land Cruiser as the driver was about to try to beat a red light.

The Land Cruiser nearly sideswiped the motorcycle and a heated altercation ensued between Atienza and Mendoza.

Atienza allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Mendoza in the back of the head before fleeing.

Investigators found that Atienza owns a .45 caliber pistol whose permit expired in May 2013 and a 9mm Glock pistol whose permit expired in May 2010.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Toyota Avanza registered with a plate number AHA-3454, which authorities earlier tagged in the shooting based on witnesses’ accounts, went to the QCPD yesterday to clear his name.