Police hunt killers of businessman, driver

MANILA, Philippines — Police have launched a manhut for two men who allegedly killed long-time billiards patron and businessman Ceferino Mariano and his driver in an ambush in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Mariano, 75, and his driver Norberto Orimaco, 51, were killed by two motorcycle-riding gunmen at the corner of Timog Avenue and EDSA at around 3:40 p.m.

Probers believe the motive is business-related, Kamuning police station commander Lt. Col. Zachary Capellan said at a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Mariano owned several bars, clubs and billiards establishments.

Closed-circuit television footage showed the suspects abandoning their motorcycle at the corner of Scout Rallos and Scout Ybardolaza streets in Barangay Sacred Heart.

To avoid detection, the gunmen changed clothes and boarded a tricycle then a jeep along Quezon Avenue.

Police tracked down the scooter’s owner – a Quezon City resident who said the motor vehicle file number is for his Honda Click motorcycle.

At the East Avenue Medical Center, Orimaco died at around 4:49 p.m., followed by Mariano at around 6:55 p.m.

Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin ordered all police units to hunt down the shooters.

Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, director of the Quezon City Police District, has formed a special investigation team to hasten the probe, identify the suspects and establish their motive.