A former pool cleaner who allegedly murdered two Australian tourists and their relative in his hotel room in the Philippines may have been motivated to seek revenge against his former employer and fuel an online gambling addiction, a court has heard.
Ronel Estipona Perido faced closed court on Thursday after pleading not guilty to the murder of David Fisk, from Sydney, his Filipino-Australian partner Lucita Cortez, 55, and his Filipino daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30 years, in July. .
Perido is alleged to have entered the family’s room at the popular Tagaytay Lake hotel, 70 kilometers southwest of Manila, through a balcony window while the trio was sleeping.
Police are investigating whether he allegedly murdered Fisk, 57, and then ordered the women to transfer money to his online account before allegedly killing them.
The three dead were found face down with their hands and feet tied with an electrical cord and duct tape over their mouths.
Perido, believed to be in his 20s, was allegedly fired from the hotel for stealing and may have sought revenge after not receiving his last paycheck, police said. Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He was arrested days after the mayor of Tagaytay told the local police chief that he would be fired if they did not make progress in the case within a week.
As the Philippines defaults to closing courts to the public and media, Australian journalists had the opportunity to question Perido, who was wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with the words “Person Deprived of Liberty,” outside the court.
Ronel Estipona Perido is accused of murdering Sydney resident David Fisk (left) and his 55-year-old Filipino-Australian partner, Lucita Cortez (right).
Lucita’s daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Cortez (pictured with her husband), was also allegedly murdered.
When asked if he had anything to say to the families of his alleged victims, Perido shook his head.
The accused murderer sat on a wooden bench outside the courtroom with his aunt, who was there to offer her support.
Just a few meters from the couple was Rico Cortez, Lucita’s son and Mary Jane’s husband.
‘When I saw it, I got angry. I wanted to get closer to the guy,” Cortez told the publication.
He was forced to leave his job as a delivery driver after the death of his wife to focus on raising his four children. The youngest is only four years old.
He is grateful for the help of his oldest daughter, 12, who was taught how to cook and clean by Mary Jane.
“She always told them, ‘What if I’m not here anymore?'” Cortez said.
Mr. Fisk’s family was unable to attend the court hearing in Tagaytay, but hired a private prosecutor, Friedrick Vincent C Lu, for his criminal and civil claims.
Police are investigating whether Perido (pictured) allegedly killed the trio to get revenge on his former employer and steal money to feed his online gambling addiction.
Mary Jane (pictured with her mother, Lucita) had four young children, ages 4 to 12.
In addition to taking action against Perido, the family will sue the Lake Hotel for allowing the allegedly disgruntled employee access to its facilities.
Mr Lu read a statement on behalf of the family, saying they were “shocked” by the alleged “senseless” attack.
“David was the father, brother and son of someone whose life was senselessly taken so violently in a country far from his own,” he read.
‘This has left them with many unanswered questions and, more than anything, they are seeking justice to the fullest extent.
‘The quick action of the local government authorities of Tagaytay City has not gone unnoticed and the family would like to express their gratitude.
“Their prompt action provided some comfort to David’s family during this difficult time, and they remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to the prosecution of those responsible.”
Perido is understood to be seeking advice to reach a deal.
