A tourist from New Zealand was killed in the Philippines while attempting to defend his girlfriend from robbers, gistpeople reports
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Nicholas Peter Stacey, 34, and his girlfriend Pamela Villanoza, 31, were on a trip to the country. On February 19, the couple was visiting Palawan and staying in Makati, a district in Manila’s capital region, when a pair of robbers on a motorcycle stopped them and held them at gunpoint.
Stacey tried to wrestle the weapon away from him, but the gun fired, fatally shooting him in the chest.
Before fleeing with his accomplice, the gunman stole Villanoza’s phone and wallet.
“We regret reporting this incident and express our condolences to the bereaved family,” police Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement, adding that he had ordered officers to “leave no stone unturned until the culprits are brought to jail and prosecuted.”
A tourist is killed by a gunshot while attempting to defend his girlfriend from motorcycle bandits.
Estomo called the death a “isolated incident,” but admitted that it would likely scare tourists.
“We understand that this incident may cause fear among tourists planning to visit our country, so we will ensure that the slain victim receives justice and that the police are always ready to provide service,” he said.
To identify the suspects, police will compare a slug found in the area to those found at other recent crime scenes. According to 1 News in New Zealand, the robbers rode a gray and black Yamaha motorcycle, and the gunman wore a black shirt and red athletic shorts.
Stacey’s family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise enough funds to return Stacey’s body to New Zealand. In the two days it has been active, the page has raised more than $19,800.
“The loss of such a young, kindhearted, selfless, and loving man is absolutely devastating,” according to the Givealittle page. “We are currently working on bringing Nick home, so funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.”
“Nick was a selfless man who worked hard within the community and his Northcross Church group, always putting others first,” according to the memorial page. “He was a well-liked kid’s church leader, set up and hospitality team member for their evening service, and was always the first to volunteer when help was needed.”
