‘Full control’: Cops’ plea after Aussies killed
Written by admin on July 13, 2024
Police in the Philippines are racing to ensure the community they are safe despite the bodies of an Australian couple being found at a hotel earlier in the week, with the alleged perpetrator still on the run.
Australian David James Fisk, 57, his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55, a Philippine-born Australian citizen were staying at The Lake Hotel, at Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of the Philippines capital of Manila.
A third person, reported to be Ms Cortez’s daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, was also found dead with the couple.
A hotel worker found their bodies with their hands and feet bound and packaging tape covering their mouths on Wednesday, according to a police statement.
Local police are looking for a man captured on CCTV who was seen wearing a black hoodie and hiding his face as he entered a hotel room earlier that morning.
Tagaytay police chief Charles Daven Capagcuan told reporters there is no reason to “be alarmed about (their) security” following the launch of a special investigation task force into the deaths.
“All our security forces are in full control of our area,” he said.
“We are praying,” Lieutenant Colonel Capagcuan added.
“We are doing our best to resolve this crime.”
Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino said the deaths have been a “wake-up call” after decades without similar incidents.
“Tagaytay City is a tourist-driven local economy,” he said.
“We are a safe place, we are a peaceful place, and for the last 30 years there’s no crime like this in the area.”
Mr Fisk’s family released a statement on Friday morning, sharing their grief and pleading for answers.
“The love we have for our Father and Lucita is so dear and this situation is like living a nightmare,” the statement read.
More Coverage
“We pray for answers and the truth in this horrific matter and just pray for their safe return to Australian shores.”
“David’s daughters, local known and loved residents in the Sutherland Shire, ask on behalf of their family that the media respect our privacy in this incredibly difficult and tragic time and we will be making no further comment.”
The family has also started a fundraiser to ease financial burden as they look to bring Mr Fisk home.
