German tourist killed, 2 other foreigners shot in Talisay fastfood outlet

In what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity, a German national was fatally shot inside a fastfood outlet in Talisay City. Two other foreigners, whom police said were the actual targets, were injured in the shooting that happened after an argument.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes did not show up for a signing of an agreement, which angered the investor and cost Talisay City nearly P10 million.

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Here are the top stories for today, Feb. 21, 2015:

German engineer killed in shooting in McDonald’s in Talisay City, 2 other foreigners hurt

Henry Haffner, 31, a German engineer who frequently visited the Philippines for volunteer work, was fatally shot at dawn yesterday inside a fastfood outlet in Talisay City after an argument broke out involving customers in the next table.

He was mistaken for another foreigner who had earlier tangled with the assailants. The police believed that Haffner was only mistaken for a friend of the two foreigners. He died of multiple gunshot wounds.

According to police, the real targets of the shooting were June Millard, a Frenchman who was shot in the arm and foot, and Cheten Saparaiya, an Indian who was shot in the nape. Both men are now in stable condition.

VOLUNTEER WORK. German engineer Henry Haffner was a frequent volunteer for relief efforts in the Philippines. He was killed yesterday in a shooting in Talisay City. (Photo posted by Volunteer in Cebu, who said Haffner was one of their volunteers)

The shooting was captured on the fastfood outlet’s security camera. Cebu Daily News reported that the men taunted the 2 “dili pautang … pautanga mi, Turko! (He won’t lend us money… give us a loan, Turk)” playing to the local stereotype of Indian nationals as moneylenders. Sun.Star Cebu said the argument broke out when the locals made a snide remark after Saparaiya ordered garlic rice.

“Sa ilang ka-aggressive nga mopatay ug tawo nga gamay ra nga altercation, we believe they could be involved in (other) crimes.” — Supt. Carmelo Dayon, Talisay City police chief

Talisay City Police arrested one of the suspects, identified as as Allan Velos, 35, of Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.

He was identified by a witness as one of the those who shot the foreigners. Dayon said the witness was about to go inside McDonald’s when the shooting broke out. The witness, who knows Velos, saw him during the shooting. Dayon said Velos was involved in several robberies and a shootout with Talisay City policemen last January 22.

Sun.Star Cebu: 2 men on motorbike kill man, hurt 2 others; police arrest 1
Cebu Daily News: German visitor killed, 2 other foreigners shot in McDonald’s outlet; Racist taunt triggered dawn commotion
The Freeman: Gunmen attack 3 foreigners

German national who was killed in McDonald’s was a frequent volunteer who helped survivors of Bohol earthquake, Yolanda

Talisay mayor’s no-show irks investor, who tears up P9.6-million check meant for city

Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes did not show up yesterday for the signing of an agreement with Asian Marine Transport Corp. who wants to lease the City’s idle fish port spans 24,846 square meters.

Asian Marine Transport Corp. Chief Executive Officer Paul Rodriguez who waited at City Hall at 9:50 a.m. and waited until noon tore up a P9.6 million check prepared as advance payment.

“I think the City is sick… I don’t know what kind of professionalism. Di man ni mahimo nga ingon ani (This is not acceptable), there’s something wrong here… If this is the way they run their city, I don’t think any investor would like to invest here.” –Asian Marine Transport Corp. CEO Paul Rodriguez

City Attorney Alfredo Sipalay said that the mayor wanted some changes in the contract, including P1.098 million (computed at US$1 per square meter) as monthly rent instead of P800,000 as offered by Asia Marine.