S'pore businessman shot dead in Manila street

S'pore businessman shot dead in Manila street

A Singaporean businessman was shot dead by two men on a Manila street last month.

Mr Murali Rajappan, 44, was found by passers-by along Bocobo Street in the city's Malate district and taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead, according to a Manila press report.

His body was flown back to Singapore late last Thursday and cremated the day after. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that it was aware of the case and it is rendering consular assistance to Mr Murali's family.

Police in Manila are investigating the incident and possible motives behind the killing, which could include robbery. The shooting occurred at about 11.40pm on Nov 28 in an area with an active nightlife.

Mr Murali lived in Timog Park Homes - a landed property area - in Angeles City, Pampanga, more than an hour's drive from Manila.

Angeles is also well known for its pubs and nightlife and attracts many tourists. It is understood that he used to run a Jalan Besar pub that hired Filipino hostesses.

Mr L.K. Lingam, 59, an old friend, said: "He was a nice man who used to send home tipsy patrons."

Mr Murali is the second Singaporean to be killed in the Philippines in the last few months.

In May, Mr Peter Lee, 50, was slashed in the neck allegedly by a teenage male domestic helper who used a butcher's knife.

The murder occurred in his home in Quezon City where he had lived for about 20 years with his Filipino wife and their son.

Two years ago, another Singaporean, Mr Cyril Gomez, 67, was shot in the head in Vigan City, about 400km north of Manila. He was believed to have been involved in money-lending.

vijayan@sph.com.sg


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