Tanod charged for actor's death

CEBU, Philippines – The family of actor Kirk Abella has filed charges for homicide and violation of Comelec gun ban against the barangay tanod who shot him to death during a shooting for a documentary film on Saturday night.

The bereaved family members appeared before the City Prosecutor's Office yesterday afternoon to press the charges against Parian barangay tanod Eduardo Cuizon. Assistant Prosecutor Noel Cellona received the complaint.

Cuizon, together with his legal counsel, Atty. Noel Archival, however, appeared before the prosecutor's office and filed a waiver asking for 10 days to prepare a counter affidavit.

Archival said that within the 10-day period, their camp will be looking for reasons why the supposed film shooting turned into a real shooting. The defense lawyer said the incident was unique and that he is very certain of the impending rigidness of the unusual case. 

"Among analyze-son pag-ayo ngano'ng pag lights-camera-action natinuod man… di man unta to tinuod," said Archival. In an interview, Nicolas Abella, the father of the victim, said that forgiveness is an easy thing to give, but "I will only forgive him after he served his sentence in jail."

From the Palace of Justice, Cuizon was brought back to Parian Police Station while his camp prepares its next move.   Cuizon shot Abella to death during a shooting of a documentary film entitled "Going Somewhere" by Alan Lyddiard Film based in London, United Kingdom, wherein the victim acted as the perpetrator of a drive-by shooting.

Contrary to the statements of Cuizon, who claimed to be unaware of the film shoot, Parian Police Station Chief Insp. Alexis Relado said the accused and other tanods of the barangay were informed of the film shoot.

Cuizon was reportedly at the residence of the barangay captain-elect Boy Nuñez, when someone reported that an armed gunman was spotted in their area.

After receiving the report, Cuizon rushed to the scene with his homemade gun and approached the victim riding a motorcycle driven by a co-actor while waiting for the action call.   Cuizon allegedly suddenly grabbed the victims' shirt right before the production team shouted the "action call" which caused the motorcycle to move, dragging Cuizon on the pavement which prompted Cuizon to fire his gun which killed the victim. (FREEMAN)