Australian Nationals And Filipina Companion Killed In Tagaytay Hotel

A security person tries to block a photographer from taking pictures outside the Lake Hotel in Tagaytay city, south of Manila, Philippines on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Two Australian nationals and a Fi

TAGAYTAY, Philippines (AP) — Tragedy struck a hotel in the picturesque resort city of Tagaytay, south of Manila, where two Australian nationals and their Filipina companion were found dead. The victims were discovered with their hands and feet bound in a room at the Lake Hotel on Wednesday, as reported by local authorities.

The Australian male victim appeared to have died from a slit throat, while the two women were suspected to have been suffocated with a pillow. Police Chief Charles Daven Capagcuan mentioned that autopsies were underway to confirm these initial findings. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, with some valuables left untouched by the perpetrator.

Expressing shock over the incident, Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino extended his apologies to the families of the victims and assured swift resolution. The victims were identified as an Australian man in his 50s, his Philippine-born partner who held Australian citizenship, and a Filipina relative.

Authorities are actively investigating the case, interviewing witnesses and reviewing hotel surveillance footage. A masked individual carrying a sling bag was captured leaving the victims' room hours before the grim discovery.

Victims discovered with hands and feet bound, showing signs of violence.

Two Australian nationals and a Filipina found dead in a Tagaytay hotel.

Australian man had a slit throat, women suspected to be suffocated.

According to a relative of the Australian woman, the couple had recently vacationed in Bali before arriving in the Philippines to visit her children. Their intended return to Australia was tragically cut short when they decided to enjoy a brief stay in Tagaytay.

Tagaytay, renowned for its cool climate and scenic views of a small active volcano within a lake, attracts both local and international tourists. Mayor Tolentino confirmed arrangements for the repatriation of the Australian man's remains to Sydney and the burial of the two women in the Philippines as per their families' wishes, with the government covering funeral expenses.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia is providing support to the bereaved families while offering condolences. Due to privacy considerations, no further details were disclosed at this time.