- Three people found dead in a hotel in the Philippines
- Australian husband and wife and family members
- Police are searching for a suspect seen leaving his room
- Do you know more? Email: tita.smith@mailonline.com
EXCLUSIVE
An Australian couple believed to have been murdered at a luxury hotel in the Philippines along with a family member have been identified, as chilling new details about their deaths have emerged.
The Australian husband, his Philippine-born wife and daughter-in-law were found dead inside their hotel room at The Lake Hotel, in Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of the Philippine capital Manila, on Wednesday.
Local police have identified the victims as Australian citizen David James Fisk, 57, his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55, an Australian citizen born in the Philippines, and Mary Jane Cortez, 30, of Oriental Mindoro.
The younger woman is reported to be Ms Cortez’s daughter-in-law.
Detectives have reportedly launched a search for a suspect who was wearing a black hoodie, maroon shorts and sneakers while carrying a backpack and was caught on CCTV leaving the victims’ bedroom.
The victims were discovered when a male member of hotel staff visited their room to remind them of their check-out time.
He found them face down, with their hands and feet tied with an electric cable and barefoot, while their mouths were sealed with packing tape, he reported. Abductor.
Local police have identified the victims as Australian citizen David James Fisk, 57, and his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez (pictured above), 55, an Australian citizen born in the Philippines.
Daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, of Oriental Mindoro, was also found dead.
The victims were staying at the luxurious The Lake Hotel (pictured) in Tagaytay, Cavite province, southwest of the Philippine capital Manila.
The cause of his death is currently unknown.
A hotel security guard reportedly spotted the suspect around 6 a.m. on the same day the three victims were found.
When questioned, the suspect reportedly claimed he was searched in the victims’ room.
The local mayor, Abraham Tolentino, was horrified to learn of the alleged murders.
“We were shocked that an incident like this happened in Tagaytay… it’s been a long time since there was an incident like this,” he said. ABS News.
He added: “We feel very sorry for our Australian friends.”
Mr. Fisk is pictured with his wife, Mrs. Cortez.
Mrs. Cortex and her daughter-in-law Mary Jane, the third victim
Boasting majestic views of the world-famous Taal Lake and Volcano, Lake Hotel Tagaytay is a 90-minute drive from Manila.
“There’s really nothing like this.”
The Australian couple are believed to have been due to return home to Australia on the day they were killed, but decided to extend their trip at the last minute.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of the deaths and was providing consular assistance to those affected, but would not provide details of their identities for privacy reasons.
“We send our condolences to the families at this difficult time,” a spokesman added.
Boasting majestic views of the world-famous Taal Lake and Volcano, Lake Hotel Tagaytay is a 90-minute drive from Manila.
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