MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday ordered a manhunt against the suspects who robbed a laundry shop in Sta. Cruz recently, killing its owner and seriously injuring the latter’s wife and helper.

“These criminals must be brought to justice at the soonest time possible,” said Lim, who lamented the gravity of the circumstances attendant to the said incident.

Lim noted the suspects did not content themselves with stealing but even stabbed and left for dead three of the shop’s occupants.

According to the mayor, victims Charlene Chioa, 34, wife of owner Calvin, 35, and one of their helpers were just fortunate to have survived despite their stab wounds, unlike Calvin who died instantly.

Lim said he has met with Manila Police District (MPD) director C/Supt. Alex Gutierrez who updated him on the development of the follow-up operation being conducted as well as the breakthroughs on the suspects’ identities.

Gutierrez, the mayor said, has also assured him that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation of the case and its early resolution.

It was learned from Gutierrez that a closed-circuit television footage taken on the day when the crime took place may help the police establish with certainty the identities of the suspects.

The robbery took place after four men disguised as maintenance personnel entered the Chioa-owned Bulls Eye Laundry Shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila at around 5 a.m.

The suspects tied up the helpers and then proceeded to the room of the Chioas where they stabbed the couple and the nanny of their four-year-old son Nate, before carting away all the money and valuables they found and took with them the victims’ car, a white  Toyota Corolla, bringing the boy with them.

The car and the boy were later found separately abandoned in a nearby street.

Sacked driver sought

Meanwhile, sources said the police is looking into the angle that the suspects may have been led by the victims’ former driver, who was fired from his job.         

Aside from Calvin having reportedly mentioned the name “Richard” before breathing his last and that there was no forcible entry, sources said the familiarity of the suspects with the location of the victims’ room and the location of the car key were also an indication as to the identity of at least one of the suspects.

However, it was learned that a certain “Richard” surfaced yesterday at the Naga Police, denying any involvement in the said crime.   He will be brought to Manila for further investigation by operatives under Supt. Jemar Modequillo, station commander of MPD-Police Station 2 and the homicide section under S/Insp. Joey de Ocampo.

A certain “Ricky” was also said to be among the suspects, as the helpers heard his name being called out by his cohorts who ordered him to serve as the lookout downstairs while they proceeded upstairs.

Police have yet to talk to Charlene and show her a photo gallery which may include the suspects, as she is still recovering from her wounds.