Man faces double murder charges

CEBU, Philippines – Prosecutors yesterday recommended double murder charges against a 36-year-old man who was accused of shooting his neighbors in barangay Balirong, Naga City last July 18.

Facing charges is Isagani Panilag, suspect in the death of Gerald Niño Abalorio and Noe Omambac.

The witness, John Michael Canillo, 19, a resident of Barangay Uling also in Naga City, said he was walking with the victims about 2am on July 18 when he noticed a man in a red shirt sitting by the roadside. When they passed by the man, Canillo said he heard a gunshot and saw Omambac slump to the ground. He heard another gunshot and Abalorio also fell to the ground.

Canillo and the two victims were heading home from a dance at that time.

With his two friends already wounded, Canillo said he pretended to be hit and intentionally and remained lying face down until the suspect fled.

After the suspect left, Canillo went to Barangay Lanas and informed his friends' parents of what happened. He then proceeded home and informed his parents about the incident.

Canillo subsequently went back to the crime scene and was interviewed by two policemen, SPO4 Ricardo Echavez and PO3 Franciso Codiñera at the Naga City Police Station. He was also brought to the Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City to undergo paraffin test.

The day after the incident, Canillo was invited to the outpost in Barangay Balirong where he was made to meet one Rene Panilag. Canillo said Rene was not the gunman, but after further questioning at the Naga Police Station, Rene eventually told authorities it was his brother Isagani who shot the victims. 

Through Rene's help, police also recovered the firearm used in the crime. He gave authorities a sketch of where his brother hid the gun.  

Last July 22, 2010 Canillo was made to look at a picture of Isagani whom he positively identified as the gunman.

Isagani eventually surrendered to authorities on July 24 also with Rene's help. (THE FREEMAN)