The Philippine sports community is in mourning following the brazen daylight assassination of Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, widely regarded as the “Godfather of Philippine Billiards,” and his driver along Edsa-Timog Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The Incident
The attack occurred as Mariano and his driver, 51-year-old Norberto “Koykoy” Olimarco, were traveling along Timog Avenue. According to police reports:
- The Ambush: Two suspects on a motorcycle approached the victims’ vehicle. The back rider dismounted and fired multiple rounds at close range.
- The Injuries: Mariano sustained four gunshot wounds to the trunk, while Olimarco was hit twice. Both succumbed to their injuries.
- The Escape: The suspects abandoned their motorcycle a few meters from the scene and fled on foot.
Investigation Updates
During a press conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Police Lt. Col. Zachary Capellan of QCPD Station 10 revealed several key leads:
- Falsified Plates: The MV file number attached to the abandoned motorcycle was found to be registered to a different vehicle and owner.
- CCTV Evidence: Investigators have successfully recovered security footage that clearly shows the suspects’ faces. A manhunt is currently underway.
A Community in Shock
The family of Norberto Olimarco believes the father of one was an innocent bystander in a targeted hit meant for his employer. Described as a well-loved figure in his Cubao neighborhood, “Koykoy” is remembered as a devoted partner and father.
“He was likely caught in a deadly situation not meant for him,” a family representative stated, echoing the grief of a community reeling from the brutality of the attack.
The Legacy of Perry Mariano
At 75, Perry Mariano was a pillar of the international billiards scene. His contributions transformed the sport in the Philippines:
- Founding the Sharks: Mariano was instrumental in establishing the Sharks Billiards Association (formerly the Sharks Billiards League) in November 2022.
- Strategic Partnerships: Working alongside the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and legendary patrons like Putch Puyat, Jonathan Sy and Isaac Belmonte, he helped professionalize the sport for a new generation of players.
- Advocacy: He was a relentless promoter of Filipino talent, ensuring that the Philippines remained a global powerhouse in the pool world.
The motive behind the killing remains under investigation as authorities piece together the final moments of a man who dedicated his life to putting Philippine billiards on the world map. (Nexus News, Views & Features)
