Filipino High-Roller Sought in Road-Rage Murder Hunt

(Photo: Radyo.inquirer.net)

A Filipino poker player – described as a ‘high-roller’ in media reports – is being sought by police after allegedly murdering a man in a road rage incident in Quezon City. Police sources have named the man as Fredison Atienza, after the brother of the victim positively identified the suspect from police photos.

The fatal incident occurred at the weekend, when Anthony Mendoza and brother Michael were “almost sideswiped” off their motorcycle by Atienza who was driving a Toyota Landcruiser.

In the ensuing argument Atienza allegedly pulled a gun and shot the younger Mendoza brother in the back of the head, killing him instantly.

(Photo: Philstar.com)

"Anthony noticed that it seemed like he wanted to hit our motorcycle", Michael Mendoza told police and reporters. “When he pulled up beside us, he rolled down his window and asked if there was a problem. My brother politely said no but told the suspect that he almost sideswiped us.”

Atienza then said, “Why, did I hit you?” according to Michael, who added:

"Then Anthony cursed, not at [the suspect] but under his breath. The driver cursed too, then bang! He shot my brother at the back of his head.”

45-year old Atienza has been on the run since the shooting, his car being handed in by a friend with police describing how the suspected killer owned two registered handguns - . a .45-caliber STI and a Glock 9mm, although the licenses for both firearms were expired.

Police stated that:

"We are still in hot pursuit of Atienza who will be charged with murder,” adding that the suspect is considered “armed and dangerous,” and “still in the country.”

According to newspaper reports, Marianne Reginaldo, Anthony’s fianceé and girlfriend has pleaded with Atienza to surrender. She said:

"We don’t want your money because you took a life away from us.”

(Photo: Philstar.com)

Atienza has only one recorded tournament cash - a 31st spot finish back in Manila in 2011, so the high-roller description is either wrong, limited to cash games or online, or merely a product of the Philippines being a poor country.