The family of the Filipino-Chinese businessman killed by robbers inside his laundry shop in Sta. Cruz Manila before dawn last January 31 has vowed to attain justice for their slain kin.
The Chioa family announced that the body of Kelvin Chioa lies in state at Sanctuarium, Araneta Avenue. His remains will be cremated on Monday (February 6) at 9 a.m.
“This is one tragic moment for the family and it breaks everyone’s heart. But despite the pain, we are very lucky and grateful to have friends helping us solve the case,” a member of the family said, adding, “we will never give up fighting for justice.”
Last Tuesday, four robbers knocked at Chioa’s Bull Eye Laundry Shop along Yakal Street in Manila before dawn. Chioa’s employees, who were sleeping at the ground floor, asked them what they wanted.
The men initially told the employees they were sent to fix one of the washing machines. When the employees refused to open the door, the suspects told them they would return later but asked if they could leave their bags behind.
As the workers were opening the door, the suspects pushed their way into the shop. The suspects herded Jane Macaraig, Jenny Rose Puno and Wilson Clores near the bathroom, tying their hands and gagging them with packing tapes.
The robbers searched through the shop’s drawers then went up to the second floor, where the owners’ rooms are located. They went to the boy’s bedroom where nanny Maricel Livrando, was also sleeping. Livrando screamed for help and tried to protect the child as the robbers attacked her.
Chioa, who heard Livrando’s screams, came to her defense but was repeatedly stabbed. He bore at least 12 stab wounds in his face and body.
Charlene, who went to her husband’s aid, was also stabbed. She, along with Livrandro were later brought to the Metropolitan Hospital.
The robbers took Chioa’s four-year-old son, but later left the child in his father’s car at the corner of Tomas Mapua and Alvarez streets, where passersby found the boy wandering, clad in a bloodstained shirt.
Two employees, Puno and Clores, said they were able to break free and ask for help.
The police are now questioning the employees for leads. Chioa also ran three more laundry shop branches in the Binondo, Alvarez and Bambang areas.
