David Fisk and Lucita Barquin Cortez: Major breakthrough in hunt for killer of Aussie couple in Philippines

The man suspected of brutally killing an Australian couple while they were holidaying in the Philippines has handed himself in to police. 

David James Fisk, 57, his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55, a Philippines-born Australian citizen, and their daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, were found dead at The Lake Hotel, at Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of Manila.  

Hotel staff made the discovery on July 10 when they failed to check out of their room. 

All three victims were reportedly found lying face-down, their hands and legs bound with electrical cords and shoelaces, and their mouths covered with packaging tape. 

Local media also reported Mr Fisk's throat had been cut in the horrific attack, while the women are believed to have died from suffocation.  

Tagaytay police chief Charles Daven M Capagcuan revealed early on Wednesday morning that a person had 'surrendered' to officers, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. 

Police are set to provide further information at a press conference later on Wednesday.

The development comes after police spent the last week searching for a man who was spotted on CCTV footage exiting the room on the day of the alleged murders. 

Hotel security camera vision showed the man leaving the room dressed in a black hood jumper, maroon shorts, sneakers and carrying a black backpack. 

According to local media reports, a security guard, Rodney Parahinog, passed the man at 6am on Wednesday at the resort's entrance gate and asked him where he was going.

Mr Parahinog said the man said that he was checked into the room and was holding a key card for Mr Fisk's room. 

On Friday, Mr Fisk's family released a statement sharing their grief as they pleaded for answers about the horrific deaths.

'The love we have for our Father and Lucita is so dear and this situation is like living a nightmare,' the statement read.

'We pray for answers and the truth in this horrific matter and just pray for their safe return to Australian shores.

'David's daughters, local known and loved residents in the Sutherland Shire, ask on behalf of their family that the media respect our privacy in this incredibly difficult and tragic time and we will be making no further comment.'

The family have set up a GoFundMe to assist with 'support getting justice for all loved ones involved' and will be used to 'help ease the financial stress and burden that will arise from this incredibly difficult time'.

Mr Fisk's body will be repatriated to Sydney, while both women will be buried in the Philippines, with the government to pay for their funeral service and burial.