Tourist dies defending girlfriend from bandits in Philippines
Nicholas Peter Stacey is seen in a photo posted to a fundraising site.
A tourist died in the Philippines while trying to defend his girlfriend from a group of robbers on motorbikes.
It happened in Manila on Sunday. Nicholas Peter Stacey, 34, was visiting the country from New Zealand with his girlfriend, Pamela Villanoza, 31.
"We regret to report this incident and extend our sympathy to the bereaved family," police Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement, telling reporters that he ordered officers to "leave no stones unturned until the culprits are brought to jail and are prosecuted."
The couple had been off on a visit to Palawan when a pair of robbers on a motorcycle stopped them and held them at gunpoint.
Stacey tried to wrestle the weapon free and the gun went off, fatally shooting him in the chest.
The gunmen stole Villanoza’s phone and wallet before escaping.
"We know that this incident could spark fear among tourists who plan to visit our country, so we will make sure the slain victim will get justice and demonstrate that the police are always ready to provide service," Estomo said.
Police will look to match a slug found in the area with those found in other recent crime scenes to try and find the suspects.
Stacey’s family started a crowdfunding effort to raise enough money to bring Stacey’s body back home to New Zealand.
"The loss of such a young, kindhearted, selfless and loving man, is absolutely devastating," the Givealittle page says. "We are currently working on bringing Nick home, so details of his funeral arrangements will follow in the coming days."
"Nick was a selfless man, who worked hard within the community and his Northcross Church group, always putting others first," the page states. "He loved to serve and was a well-loved kid's church leader, set up and hospitality team member for their evening service, and was always first to volunteer when help was needed."
The page has raised more than $20,000.
His obituary stated that he had been "So cruelly taken from us while on holiday in the Philippines with his partner Pamela."
FOX News contributed to this report.