3 face raps for death of man

CEBU, Philippines - Three people, a minor included, are facing homicide charges for allegedly killing a man who reportedly went amok in sitio Sabana, Barangay Fortaleza, Tuburan town last February 5.

The case will be filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office within this week against cousins Marvin Potchades, John Cris Bayno and a 16-year-old boy. The three are residents of Sitio Capangihan, Barangay Colonia.

The three were tagged responsible for killing Roel Recta, 34.

They reportedly surrendered when they found out that Recta had died two days after the incident.

“Ilang konsensiya grabe kuno maong paghibalo nila nga namatay diay nisurrender sila,” said SPO4 Carlo Cansiko.

Recta’s body was found two days after the incident at a secluded place owing to a foul smell.

Investigation revealed that the suspects were in Barangay Colonia on February 5 to buy food for consumption and decided to have some drinks before going home around 6pm.

In Sitio Sabana, Bayno’s cellular phone reportedly rang, prompting the three to stop for a while. At that point, the suspects reportedly saw Recta heading toward them armed with a bolo. The victim was also reportedly under the influence of liquor.

When Recta reached them, the victim reportedly tried to hack the minor suspect but missed. This reportedly prompted the three to defend themselves with stones.

“Iyahay sila kuno og defend sa ilang kaugalingon pinaagi sa pagpunit og bato aron paghadlok,” Cansiko told The FREEMAN.

This, however, did not deter Recta and even made the situation worse. The minor suspect, however, successfully took the bolo away from Recta and stabbed the victim with it on the neck. Bayno also took the bolo and stab Recta on the stomach.

Cansiko said Recta’s relatives have claimed that the victim was mentally ill. (FREEMAN)