Manila, June 17: A German man working for the international hotel chain Shangri-La was shot dead while walking through the Philippine capital’s financial district on Thursday, police said.
Sergio Mazza, 38, assistant food and beverage manager for the Makati Shangri-La hotel, was shot at close range about 07:00 while walking to work, chief superintendent Froilan Bonifacio said.
“We have three witnesses who initially told us a lone gunman using a .22 pistol did the killing,” said Bonifacio, police chief of the Makati financial district in Manila.
He said it was unlikely that robbery was the motive because the victim’s belongings, including his wallet and expensive cellphone, were untouched.
“We are still trying to establish the motive. Maybe it involves his personal life,” he said.
No reason given
Bonifacio said the victim was single and had a German passport but gave no further details.
Makati Shangri-La released a statement confirming that Mazza had been killed, but it gave no details as to the potential reason.
“The safety and security of all our staff and guests are of utmost importance and we are working closely with police authorities who have started a thorough investigation,” the statement said.
German embassy spokespersons were not available for comment.
The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La hotel and resort chain operates luxury hotels in over a dozen countries, mostly in Asia.
—Agencies