US man slain in Philippine robbery

A retired American Marine living in the Philippines was killed during a home invasion on Christmas Eve, police said Sunday. James Thomas Kakara, 61, was bludgeoned to death Saturday while he was alone at his home in Tagaytay, an upscale community near Manila, said provincial police chief Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao.
"The victim is an amputee who is a retired US Marine. He was apparently hit on the head and a piece of pipe that was presumably used in the attack was found at the bottom of his swimming pool," Bulalacao told reporters. His wife and other members of the household had been away at the time, the officer added.