The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has elevated to court the three murder complaints and a frustrated murder charge against a member of Alpha Kappa Rho tagged in a drive-by shooting in the city last year.
Assistant city prosecutor Noel Cellona recommended for the indictment of Arestotle Aves over the killing of Lord Stephen Vasquez, William John Aznar, Jr. and Lawrence Morados last October.
Cellona also recommended for the filing of a separate case for frustrated murder against Aves over the shooting of 17-year-old Reendon Pelliren. City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon approved the recommendation.
Aves cannot post bail for his temporary liberty since the three murder cases are non-bailable since they are considered heinous crimes. But the CPO has recommended a P200,000 bail for the frustrated murder.
Even if he posts bail for the frustrated murder case, Aves cannot still be released temporarily because of the other non-bailable cases he is facing.
Aves and an unidentified companion allegedly shot anybody on sight along V. Gullas Street while on board a motorcycle in the evening of October 4, killing Morados.
They then fled toward barangay Sambag I where they allegedly shot Aznar, Vasquez and Pelliren. Aznar and Vasquez died later in the hospital while Pellerin survived the attack.
Aside from being identified by witnesses as behind the shooting rampage last October, Aves was tagged in several high-profile killings in Cebu.
Police investigation revealed that Aves is allegedly a hired killer. In fact, he was linked to the killing of a businessman and a Japanese national in Mandaue City. — Fred P. Languido/LPM