A former pool cleaner who allegedly murdered two Australian tourists and their relative in their hotel room in the Philippines may have been motivated to take revenge on his ex-employer and fuel an online gambling addiction, a court has heard.
Ronel Etipona Perido faced a closed court on Thursday after pleading not guilty to the murders of Sydney man David Fisk, his 55-year-old Filipino-Australian partner Lucita Cortez, and her Filipino daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, in July .
It is alleged that Perido entered the family room at the popular Tagaytay Lake Hotel, 70 km southwest of Manila, through a balcony window while the trio was sleeping.
Police are investigating whether he murdered 57-year-old Fisk and then ordered the women to transfer money to his online account before allegedly killing them.
The dead trio were found lying down, with their hands and feet tied with an electrical cord and tape over their mouths.
Perido, believed to be in his 20s, was reportedly fired from the hotel for theft and may have sought revenge after not receiving his final paycheck. Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He was arrested days after Tagaytay’s mayor told the local police chief that they would be fired if they did not make progress in the case within a week.
As the Philippines routinely closes courtrooms to the public and media, Australian reporters had the chance to question Perido, who wore a bright yellow shirt emblazoned with the words “Person Deprived of Liberty,” outside court.
Ronel Etipona Perido is accused of murdering Sydney man 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 reported to have been murdered
When asked if he had anything to say to the families of his alleged victims, Perido shook his head.
The accused killer sat on a wooden bench outside the courtroom with his aunt, who was there to offer her support.
Standing just feet from the couple was Rico Cortez, Lucita’s son and Mary Jane’s husband.
‘When I saw him I got angry. I wanted to approach the man,” Mr. Cortez told the publication.
After the death of his wife, he was forced to quit his job as a delivery boy to concentrate on raising his four children. The youngest is only four.
He is grateful for the help of his eldest daughter, 12, who taught Mary Jane how to cook and clean.
“She always told them, ‘What if I’m gone?’” Mr. Cortez said.
Mr. Fisk’s family was unable to attend the court hearing in Tagaytay but has hired a private prosecutor, Friedrick Vincent C Lu, for their criminal and civil claims.
Police are investigating whether Perido (pictured) killed the trio to take revenge on his former employer and steal money to fuel 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 premises.
Mr Lu read out a statement on behalf of the family, saying they were “blindsided” by the “senseless” alleged attack.
“David was someone’s father, brother and son whose life was senselessly taken in such a violent manner in a land far from their own,” he read.
“This has left them with so many questions unanswered and, above all, they are seeking the full extent of justice.
“The swift action of the local government of Tagaytay City has not gone unnoticed and the family would like to express their gratitude.
“Their quick action provided David’s family with some comfort at this difficult time, and they remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to the prosecution of those responsible.”
It is clear that Perido is seeking advice for a settlement.