Man charged for death of neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - Prosecutors charged a man with murder before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for allegedly killing his neighbor, Lourdes Getaruelas, last December 6.

The charge was elevated to court after the accused, Jerome Abellanosa, waived his right to a preliminary investigation wherein he could have filed a counter-affidavit to refute the accusations.

The victim’s daughter, a minor, reportedly saw Abellanosa running from her grandmother’s house with a bloodied knife in hand. Abellanosa reportedly jumped off the fence and immediately proceeded inside his house.

Getaruelas’ son Joseph said his mother sustained wounds on her neck and chest, which caused her instantaneous death.

“After careful evaluation, it appears that the granddaughter actually witnessed the respondent jumping off the fence of their house holding a bloodied knife after she heard her grandmother shouted. The respondent, in killing the victim, is clearly aggravated with treachery and taking advantage of superior strength considering that the victim is a woman and already of an advanced age,” said Prosecutor Alex Gabud.

No bail was recommended for Abellanosa’s temporary liberty. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)