Murder filed vs. suspect in slay of "habal" driver

CEBU, Philippines - The police yesterday filed criminal complaints for murder and “carnapping” against the suspect in the killing of a “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-hire) driver in Compostela last week.

The complaints were filed by the Compostela police before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Edwin Medel who was the last known passenger of victim Junie Maglasang before the latter was found dead in barangay Dapdap last February 12.

Maglasang was already asleep together with his cousins, Juan Pitogo and Joseph Rey Burgos, in barangay Lamac when Medel allegedly woke them up on the evening of February 12.

The suspect allegedly requested Maglasang to convey him to barangay Dapdap and promised to pay P300. Witnesses said that Medel was bringing a traveling bag. The suspect reportedly claimed he will “follow his wife and children” in barangay Dapdap.

However, Maglasang failed to return after ferrying Medel to Dapdap. His body was later found with a hack wound that almost severed his head from the neck.

Since then, Medel also disappeared bringing with him the motorcycle driven by the victim. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)