Woman, ex-boyfriend nabbed over killing of South Korean trader

MANILA, Philippines — A woman and her former boyfriend were arrested for allegedly killing a South Korean businessman involved in the beauty products business, the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) said Monday.

The ex-boyfriend was arrested in Angeles City, while the woman was arrested inside the Clark Freeport Zone on Friday, according to PRO-3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez during a press briefing at Camp Crame. He did not disclose the exact location of the arrests.

Mendez identified the woman as Andrea Mones, 23, also known by the alias “Harin,” and her former boyfriend as Aaron Justin Manuel, 27, also known by the alias “Jao.”

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PAOCC launches police help desks to combat crimes vs Koreans in PH

FEATURED STORIES

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

GLOBALNATION

The victim was identified as Shin Bongsub, 37.

Shin supposedly met with Manuel and drove him and another individual—whom police did not immediately identify—aboard a Ford Everest going to Mones’ home in Magalang town, Pampanga last Tuesday, according to Mendez.

“They were together because Shin was collecting money from Harin, from Mones,” Mendez explained. “P200,000 was declared.”

After picking up Mones and dropping off the unnamed individual, Manuel allegedly shot Shin in the head, moved his body to the passenger side and drove to General Tinio town in Nueva Ecija to discard his remains and the Ford Everest, Mendez explained.

Article continues after this advertisement

Afterward, Manuel left aboard a Toyota Corolla and Mones was picked up by a cousin going back to Pampanga, the PRO 3 chief added. He further noted that Mones’ cousin was unaware of the incident.

The Ford Everest was then reported abandoned by a tipster last Wednesday, leading to the discovery of Shin’s body, according to the Central Luzon top cop.

Article continues after this advertisement

Security footage backtracking led police investigators to identify Manuel and Mones as the suspects and capture them, Mendez said.

READ: Koreans step up crime-prevention measures in Angeles City, Clark

He added that a 9mm Taurus pistol was recovered from Manuel as well as 16 pieces of ammunition.

“They planned how to do it. They even bought this gun to be used,” Mendez maintained.

Manuel and Mones were taken into police custody and underwent inquest proceedings for a murder case before the local prosecutor.

Meanwhile, asked whether Shin had been involved in illegal activities, Mendez explained, “Well, so far, we’re looking at the angle that he may also be involved in the distribution of drugs, specifically party drugs, the victim… Their front was the beauty products.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

The Central Luzon police chief also noted that the Embassy of the Republic of Korea was immediately informed of Shin’s death. /dl