A west London man who migrated to the Philippines for a “new life” has been shot dead in what is believed to be a revenge attack by a sacked employee.
Tony Gilchrist, who was originally from Staines, employed 42-year-old Melchor Alciso Jr to perform security services at a scuba diving shop he owned on the island of Malapascua. When a hung-over Mr Alciso turned up late for work, he was dismissed, which, authorities believe, led him to return to kill his former employer.
A well-liked member of the Philippines island’s community, Mr Gilchrist had thrown himself into distributing thousands of pounds worth of aid raised in the UK following Typhoon Haiyan, which destroyed parts of the Philippines five months ago. His brother James, who has travelled to the island with a third brother, told reporters: “Tony was a kind, gentle soul with a huge heart. He cared deeply for his family and friends. He truly didn’t have a bad bone in his body.
“After Typhoon Yolanda, he displayed his compassion by staying and helping the locals on Malapascua. For weeks he drove a bus back and forth to Cebu to buy much needed aid for the local people whom he loved.
“By the time the main aid agencies arrived, the community was already making headway to getting back on their feet due to the fortitude my brother displayed.”
Mr Gilchrist’s brother told journalists: “We met with the chief state prosecutor in Cebu this morning. They have a very strong case and have brought charges of murder, their highest possible charge [which] carries a sentence of 40 years. It is our family’s hope that justice be served in a timely fashion and the British government assist by keeping us fully informed throughout the process.”
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the death of a British national in Malapascua Island on the Philippines on Saturday April 19. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”
