6 Akrho fratmen face murder raps

CEBU, Philippines - Six members of the Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity were charged with frustrated murder before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for shooting a man in sitio Sambag, barangay Cansojong, Talisay City, last November 9.

Charges for frustrated murder were filed against Lendi Belila, Niño Bellaniso, Edmar Butalid, brothers Henry and Jonathan Belila and Ramil Belila after allegedly shooting Alden Iñigo, 33.

Iñigo claimed in his affidavit that last November 9, he was drinking with friends outside his house when the six passed by them. He said that the group kept looking at them while settling in a nearby basketball court. Minutes later, Lendi Belila and his group started shouting challenges at them.

“Unsay gusto ninyong duha, sukmagay o dinunggabay nga way kihaay?” the group allegedly said.

The complainant’s brother who heard the commotion asked him to get inside the house but before he could get in, Jonathan Belila ran after him and attacked him together with Bellaniso, Butalid, Henry and Ramil.

Iñigo claimed that Bellaniso and Butalid held his hands while Jonathan and Ramil attacked him. Lendi pointed a gun at his head but he was able to escape and was shot in the left leg instead. 

The group allegedly fled when the complainant’s brother shouted for help.

In the counter-affidavit, the six denied the allegations.

Joanthan Belila said that he was requested by his wife to buy medicine for their sick daughter and he was heading home with his brother Henry and Butalid.

On their way home, Iñigo approached them and asked what was their problem. After an argument Iñigo challenged them to a fistfight and they ran away to avoid trouble.

Lendi Belila said he was just sleeping when he heard noise outside their house while Ramil Belila said he was home in sitio Kimba of the same barangay.

But the charges were elevated to court as defense of denial is the weakest defense. – Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)