Four motorcycle-riding men shot dead a businessman last Friday (March 23) night in front of family members aboard their sports utility vehicle (SUV). The men later took the victim’s bag containing millions of pesos.
Reports said Adonis Peren, 45, and his wife and son were on their way home to Lemery, Batangas after exchanging currency at Nikko Moneychanger shop in Ermita when robbers started tailing the victim’s white Honda CRV on Mabini Street at around 8 p.m.
The robbers started shooting at the SUV’s tires when it reached San Marcelino Street in Manila. Peren kept driving but he got caught in heavy traffic at the Quirino Avenue intersection.
CCTV video showed two of the assailants getting off their motorcycles — one shooting Peren in the driver’s seat, the other smashing the Honda’s left rear window and grabbing a bag containing PhP1 million in cash, an iPhone and two credit cards from inside the vehicle.
Peren’s wife was seen getting off the SUV just before the shooting occurred. She appeared to be calling out for help and remained outside when hearing the gunshots. Meanwhile, the 11-year-old son remained in the vehicle, witnessing the shooting. He emerged unhurt. Police said the robbers failed to take a second bag containing PhP3.8 million in cash.
Police theorized that the moneychanger shop in Ermita most likely tipped off the robbers. Perez died before reaching the hospital.
