MANILA, Philippines — A taxi driver who was just watching a mahjong game between his neighbors was stabbed dead Sunday evening in Quezon City. Police were however unable to arrest the suspect, identified as Jojit Duran, a resident of Cenacle Drive in Barangay Culiat in Quezon City as he immediately fled after the incident.

Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, meanwhile, identified the victim as Ramilito Valdez, 36, also a resident of Cenacle Drive in Brgy Culiat. 

Case investigator Police Officer 3 Modestino Juanson said the victim was just observing his neighbors play in front of his house at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Witnesses told police that Duran suddenly appeared out of nowhere and stabbed Valdez, a taxi driver, from the back. 

Valdez was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center but eventually died while undergoing treatment at around 9:24 p.m. 

Police have launched a manhunt for Duran who remains at large.

(By Julie M. Aurelio, Philippine Daily Inquirer)