New Zealand tourist shot dead in Makati after helping girlfriend fight robbers

A New Zealand tourist was shot dead in Makati City as he tried to help his girlfriend who was being victimized by thieves.

According to Cedric Castillo’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, the victim was identified as Nicholas “Nick” Stacey who was in the country to visit his Filipina girlfriend.

“Hawak hawak nya yung cellphone niya saka wallet. Napansin nung riding-in-tandem na dahil hawak niya ito, binabaan siya at siya ang tinutukan ng baril, itong babae,” Police Colonel Edward Cutiyog of Makati Police said.

When he saw what was happening, Stacey, who was a few steps ahead of his girlfriend, rushed to her side to help.

“Tutulungan nitong si Nick. Tumalikod siya, dahil malaki itong foreigner maliit lang yung suspect natin. Nataranta o natakot ang suspect, nabaril na itong foreigner,” Cutiyog said.

Stacey’s girlfriend asked for help from the residents.

“Naghi-hysterical na talaga, parang na-trauma na sigaw lang siya nang sigaw. Ang kwento lang niya napakabait daw matulungin daw. Namimigay daw sa street children,” witness Naty Mapa said.

“Nakakita tayo ng mga witness. Tuloy-tuloy ang pag-iimbestiga natin and then manhunt operations sa ating person of interest. Yung isa naka-helmet. Itong nangholdap, nakababa po ang kanyang mask,” Cutiyog said.

The body of the victim is still under the custody of the police, while it is coordinating with the Embassy of New Zealand and the relatives of the victim.

Meanwhile, Stacey’s colleagues created a fundraising donation drive for the victim.

He was described as “selfless, generous, and hard working” for his community and Church group. He was also deeply passionate about child rescue and helped communities during lockdowns.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) condemned the killing of the New Zealand national.

“The DOT condemns in the strongest possible terms the criminal act befalling a visiting tourist resulting in his untimely demise,” the department said.

“Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also discussed the matter with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. who has assured the steadfast resolution of this matter and has reached out to concerned embassy officials to lend the necessary assistance,” it said.

“We shall continue in the efforts to work with relevant government agencies for the continued peace and security of tourists visiting the Philippines,” it added.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News