Trader’s death baffles police

by Orlan Mauricio

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNation.htm?f=2010/march/20/nation3.isx&d=2010/march/20

Bulacan policemen are baffled by the death of a 39-year-old businessman whose body was found inside his Honda Civic that was parked in a construction site in Guiguinto town.

Edwin Romeo San Diego, owner-manager of a Petron fuel station inside the North Luzon Expressway, sustained a bullet wound in the chest, while his mouth was gagged with a handkerchief and a computer cord tied around his neck, police said.

His Glock 9 mm pistol was found beside his body, which was still strapped on the driver’s seat when police opened his car that was inside the Northrail construction site in Brangay Tabe, Wednesday morning, according to Sr. Supt. Fernando Villanueva, acting provincial director. Police probers have yet to determine if the Glock pistol was used to kill the victim.

San Diego was married to one Mabel Vistan, whose father is brother of Plaridel Mayor Teresita Vistan. The Vistan family owns the Petron chain of gas stations in Bulacan and holds the franchises for Jollibee and Chowking fast-food outlets in Malolos, Guiguinto and Plaridel towns.

The San Diego couple has four children. His body now lies in state at the Vistan residential compound Along Maharlika highway in Bgy. Sta Rita, Bulacan. Police said a certain Bobby Almario who lives near the construction site noticed the black Honda Civic car (ZRU-296) of the victim parked near the Northrail project.

Almario told police that the car’s engine was still running when he approached it and then he saw the victim’s body. He then called the police.

Police found at the scene-of-the crime 13 live bullets, a Nokia 2630 cellphone, the victim’s ID card and his other personal belongings.