62-year-old beats man to death

CEBU, Philippines - A construction worker died after he was allegedly beaten to death by his 62-year-old neighbor using the branch of a guava tree in Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City yesterday dawn.

Police identified the victim as Joly John Roble, 30, and the suspect as George Ruiz. Both the victim and the suspect were reportedly drunk during the incident.

Police investigation showed that prior to the incident, Roble, who was apparently drunk, was seen walking unsteadily on his way home at 2 a.m. yesterday.

Roble temporarily resides in the area and is single. He is a native of Kanlaon, Negros Oriental and works in one of the construction firms in Mandaue City.

Investigation further showed that while Roble was walking, Ruiz, who was also allegedly drunk too, approached the victim and suddenly started beating him repeatedly.

The suspect reportedly used a branch of a guava tree the size of a child’s forearm.

Dionesio Sevilla, a neighbor, said he witnessed Ruiz beating Roble repeatedly on the head, neck, and other parts of the body until the victim fell on the ground unconscious.

Roble’s was rushed to the Mandaue City Hospital but he no longer made it alive.

Police responded to the scene and was able to arrest Ruiz in his house in Barangay Pulpogan.

The suspect told the police that the victim tried to enter his house, which prompted him to beat him up and eventually kill him.

Police submitted Ruiz to a liquor test and result showed that he was under the influence of intoxicating liquor when he killed the victim. — (FREEMAN)