No bail set for man who slew neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - No bail was recommended against a man who was accused of killing a neighbor over a card game locally known as “tong-its”.

State Prosecutor Anna Lou Fernandez-Cavada of the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office charged Orlando Survilla, alias “Landoy” for conniving with co-accused Allan Cuizon, still at large, in stabbing Romnick Archival.

“Intent to kill is clearly present in the instant complaint. In view of the weapon used by Cuizon and Survilla employed treachery and is evident premeditation in committing the offense complained of,” the resolution read.

Cavada said Cuizon will be separately prosecuted once he is arrested.

In their joint-affidavit, Wilfredo Archival Jr. and Wilmer Archival said on August 5, 2012 at 2:30 a.m. they were drinking together with their brother Romnick and their neighbors in Sitio Mahiga, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

They identified their neighbors as Lory Capukong, Cuizon, Survilla and his brother Ramil Survilla.

Wilfredo and Wilmer said while they were drinking Romnick, Cuizon and Orlando were also playing tong-its.

“In the height of their card game a heated argument erupted between Romnick and Orlando when the latter (Orlando) was caught cheating. The arguments turned into a fistfight prompting us to intervene and bring Romnick away,” the affidavit read.

They said while walking together with Romnick and Capukong, Romnick turned and threw stones at Orlando but missed and instead hit the house of Cuizon.

They added they saw Cuizon take a bolo from his house and approach them.

“Thus, I and Wilfredo Jr. instructed Romnick to run away. We saw Orlando chase Romnick while Cuizon was following him with a bolo in his right hand,” the affidavit further read.

Wilfredo and Wilmer said Romnick was overtaken by Orlando who then held his left arm allowing Cuizon to stab the victim before fleeing.

They said they went to their brother who was slumped on the ground.

Responding policemen were able to arrest Orlando but failed to collar Cuizon who was able to escape on his motorcycle.  (FREEMAN)