Fil-Am Gym administrator shot dead in Daly City

NEW YORK – A Filipino-American gym manager died last week after he was fatally shot in Daly City, California.

The victim, Rolando Viray Yanga, 60, was reportedly shot after he confronted a 21-year-old athlete for failing to comply with hygiene protocols.

Yanga was pronounced dead at the scene after suspect Maarij Afridi allegedly shot him eight times outside his home at around 7pm on September 29.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, Afridi became enraged after Yanga confronted him about his refusal to follow the gym’s sanitation rules, which led to a heated argument.

After the incident, Afridi reportedly waited for Yanga, followed him to his house and then shot him.

Security footage obtained by Daly City Police shows Afridi’s vehicle following Yanga’s car. Moments later, eight shots could be heard on the recording.

Afridi fled the scene but was arrested at his home the next day by the City of Daly SWAT team.

His mother, Zaib Un Nisa Afridi, 50, was also arrested on suspicion of complicity in driving her son’s getaway vehicle.

In a message to GMA Integrated News, Filipino-American Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo condemned the brutal killing of Yanga.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Rolando Yanga, a 60-year-old Daly City resident who was tragically the victim of senseless gun violence on September 29, 2024. As a community, we mourn your loss, and although no words can ease the pain during this difficult time. Please know that we grieve with you,” the mayor said

Manalo also stated that Yanga’s death was the first murder case in Daly City this year.

“This is the first homicide case in Daly City of 2024, and even one is too many for our community to bear. It is rare for such a tragedy to occur here, which makes this loss all the more profound.”

She praised the Daly City Police Department for their quick action in identifying the suspect using advanced technology that led them to the shooter.

“I would like to thank the Daly City Police Department for their quick action in apprehending the suspects thanks to the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) and other advanced technologies, as well as their exemplary investigative work that resulted in the arrests in less than 24 hours.”, Manalo said.

Afridi was charged with murder and his mother is charged with accessory after the fact. Both are currently being held at the Daly City County Jail.

Yanga is survived by his wife, four children and several grandchildren.

His family expressed deep sadness over the sudden and violent loss of their patriarch in a statement on their GoFundMe page.

“We are devastated to share the tragic loss of our beloved father Rolando, whose life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence. “As we struggle to come to terms with this unimaginable reality,” the statement said. —KG, GMA Integrated News