Alleged "psychopath" charged in court

CEBU, Philippines - Murder charges were elevated to court against the alleged psychopath accused of beheading a scavenger at the Inayawan dumpsite last January 21.

Edgardo Abangan, an ex-convict, was pointed as the one who beheaded Gaudioso dela Cruz, 49, a resident of barangay Inayawan. Abangan was arrested in sitio Pitogo in the municipality of President Garcia, Bohol after days of hiding.

Dela Cruz’ family reported the victim as missing since January 21. His decomposing body, which also bore multiple stab wounds, was later found inside a sack.

Personnel of the Pardo Police Station went to the house of the suspect in barangay Inayawan last Saturday purposely to place him under arrest, but they later found out that Abangan had left for Bohol.

Coordination between the Cebu policemen and authorities at the Carlos P. Garcia Police Station in Bohol led to Abangan’s eventual arrest in sitio Pitogo, President Garcia town. 

Reports had it that Dela Cruz and Abangan were drinking together starting around 9pm until late evening on January 21. The two later reportedly went to an unknown destination. 

Separate reports also said Abangan, allegedly a toughie, got mad at Dela Cruz when the victim refused to give him a portion of his earnings. Abangan also earned a living as scavenger at the dumpsite.

Abangan has just been released from detention at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City after serving a four-year imprisonment term for a murder case. — Jasmin U. Labaco/JMO    (FREEMAN NEWS)