NBI files charges against suspects in couple's slay

The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed charges against the four suspects in the gruesome murder of a septuagenarian couple in Tabogon town more than a week ago.

NBI regional director Medardo De Lemos approved the filing of a case for robbery with homicide against Renan Epanto, 18, Jaskie Pelegria, 21, Eric Mendoza, 22 and a certain Nonoy, all of barangay Managase, Tabogon, before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

Mendoza, who claimed to have participated in the killing of Rufo and Nemesia Gulbin after robbing the couple of P15,000 in the evening of April 1, voluntarily surrendered to the NBI last Sunday and identified the other suspects.

NBI operatives led by supervising agents Jesus Manapat and Florante Gaoiran immediately went to Tabogon to invite Epanto, Pelegria and a certain Nonoy for questioning.

However, only Epanto and Pelegria were around as Nonoy is nowhere to be found. Mendoza positively identified Epanto and Pelegria during a lineup at the NBI office.

But provincial prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba has yet to decide whether to accept the charges against Epanto and Pelegria as an inquest case because their arrest would no longer fall under a hot pursuit operation. Petralba is expected to decide today whether to release Pelegria and Epanto or accept their case for preliminary investigation.

Mendoza, who executed an extra-judicial confession before the NBI, said he was with the group that killed the Gulbin couple.

Mendoza said that they were on a benefit dance in barangay Lamac when the other suspects arrived and invited him to join in a drinking spree. According to him, he refused when Epanto invited him to go with them. But, Epanto reportedly insisted.

Mendoza said they went to the victims' house in sitio Lub-ang, barangay Managase. Upon reaching there, Epanto reportedly took a nylon cord and immediately entered the house.

Aided by Pelegria, they allegedly used the cord in strangling Nemesia to death while her husband, Rufo, ran for his life outside. Nonoy allegedly followed Rufo and had him hog-tied while Epanto took a piece of wood and hit his head repeatedly until he died.

Mendoza admitted that their group took P15,000 from the couple but added that he was only given P200 and a bottle of beer. He claimed Epanto threatened to kill him if he tells anybody about the incident.

Mendoza said he was bothered by his conscience that he prompted to approach his uncle, a policeman, who surrendered him to the NBI. - Fred P. Languido