A tourist from New Zealand was killed in the Philippines while attempting to save his girlfriend from robbers.
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 lodging in Makati, a neighborhood in Manila’s metropolitan city, when a pair of thieves on a motorcycle stopped them and held them at gunpoint.
Stacey tried to wrestle the handgun away from him, but the gun fired, tragically striking him in the chest.
Before fleeing with his partner, the gunman snatched Villanoza’s phone and wallet.
“We regret to report this incident and extend our sympathy to the bereaved family,” police Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement, telling reporters that he ordered officers to “leave no stones unturned until the culprits are brought to jail and are prosecuted.”
Estomo described the death as an “isolated incident” and acknowledged that it would likely scare tourists.
“We know that this incident could spark fear among tourists who plan to visit our country, so we will make sure the slain victim will get justice and demonstrate that the police are always ready to provide service,” he said.
To identify the suspects, police will compare a slug recovered in the vicinity to those found at other recent crime scenes. According to 1 News in New Zealand, the thieves 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 open, the page has raised more than $19,800.
“The loss of such a young, kindhearted, selfless and loving man, is absolutely devastating,” the Givealittle page says. “We are currently working on bringing Nick home, so details of his funeral arrangements will follow in the coming days.”
“Nick was a selfless man, who worked hard within the community and his Northcross Church group, always putting others first,” the page states. “He loved to serve and was a well-loved kid’s church leader, set up and hospitality team member for their evening service, and was always first to volunteer when help was needed.”