Killing of defender of gays called a ‘hate crime‘
CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA News
January 3, 2012

 As colorful fireworks lit up the Manila sky, 18-year-old Fernando Mendoza Jr. was on a jeepney with his friends and cousins early Sunday morning. They were headed to Rizal Park to celebrate the New Year.

Friends of Mendoza describe him as a quiet guy, but also one who would have the mettle to stop a fight. On this particular occasion, Mendoza came to the defense of a couple of gay passengers, who were being taunted by a group of ruffians. “Sabi ng bakla, ‘Huwag niyo kaming anuhin, kasi mabait kami,’” one of Fernando’s cousins narrated. “Tapos sabi ng pinsan ko, ‘Eh huwag niyo na nga anuhin, kasi mabait nga sila.’”

Mendoza’s intervention triggered a reaction that would end his life.

“Bigla niya pong sinuntok ‘yung pinsan ko, tapos gumanti po ‘yung pinsan ko isang beses. Tapos nag-away na po sa loob ng jeep,” said Mendoza’s cousin, whose identify is being withheld for her security.

Outnumbered, Mendoza jumped off the jeep and a chase ensued along crowded Avenida Rizal, before he stumbled in the middle of the street in front of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

There to report on fireworks-related injuries, a GMA News team was waiting outside the emergency room when they heard the commotion. “Trobol, trobol,” people muttered as they rushed out in time to witness five men smashing bottles on Mendoza and kicking his head.

In video captured by GMA News, a man in a white sleeveless shirt is seen rushing toward the youth. The man shoots Mendoza with an improvised shotgun, or sumpak, as bystanders stand back in shock. After firing his weapon, the man and four others continue to beat the defenseless teen.

The suspects fled before anyone could stop them. A bystander approaches the boy and checks his pulse. “Buhay pa, buhay pa,” he cries out, and the teen-ager is rushed inside the hospital.

But it was too late. With six bullet fragments in the heart, he was pronounced dead at 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/243357/news/metromanila/killing-of-defender-of-gays-called-a-hate-crime