Rest in peace Shirmon

Tsinoy trader killed in Valenzuela ambush
By Jerry Botial and Pete Laude
The Philippine Star 07/14/2005

"A 36-year-old Chinese-Filipino businessman was killed while his brother was wounded when they were ambushed by three still unidentified men while on their way to their glass factory in Valenzuela City last Tuesday (July 12) night.

Valenzuela police chief Superintendent Billy Beltran said Shirmon Choa, owner of Century Glass Center Inc. and a resident of Sta. Cruz, Manila, died of a gunshot wound in the back that pierced through his heart.

His older brother, Sherchuang Choa, 44, is now confined at a hospital in Manila due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Police have yet to establish the motive for the killing. Among the angles being considered are labor problems and business rivalry.

Recovered from the scene were 14 empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol and two deformed slugs.

Senior Inspector Rhoderick Juan, police chief investigator, said the brothers were on board a Toyota Camry (XPS-889), driven by the younger Choa, when they were waylaid by at least three armed men at the main gate of Cabral Compound Industrial Park in Lawang Bato at around 9:30 p.m. The compound had no detailed guard.

The suspects then fired at will.

The younger Choa was killed in the onslaught, with the car swerving and finally slamming into a concrete lamp post. The suspects then fired more shots.

The gunmen fled on foot toward nearby Vista Verde Subdivision. They took nothing from the victims.

"The suspects could have had a getaway vehicle waiting, not far from the crime scene. That’s what we are trying to find out," Juan told The STAR. "We are still in the process of determining the possible motive behind the incident. My men are now talking with the survivor."

Concerned bystanders brought the victims to the MCU Hospital where Shirmon was declared dead on arrival. His brother was transferred to another hospital, where he is now in stable condition."

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::
Our deepest condolences to the family of Shirmon Choa.