Man charged for killing neighbor on Christmas Day

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a man for allegedly killing his neighbor last Christmas.

Prosecutor Misty Leah Escolar-Hupp has found probable cause to hold Feligrino “Kleno” Mendoza, resident of Sitio Top Hill, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, for trial because of murder.

 Mendoza, despite ample time given to him to submit counter-affidavit, failed to answer the complaint.

“Wherefore, it is respectfully recommended that information for murder be filed against respondent Mendoza alias Toto,” the resolution read.

Hupp recommended no bail for Mendoza’s temporary liberty.

 Cecille Monares alleged that the accused mauled and stabbed her father, Camelo, on December 25, 2014. The mauling incident, which happened during the Christmas Party, resulted in the death of the victim.

Monares said her father was already asleep but was awakened by the suspect and mauled. According to Monares, she called for help, prompting the suspect to leave.

Her father later went out of their house supposedly to settle differences with the accused. However, he was instead mauled and stabbed to death.

The following day Feligrino was arrested. During the inquest proceeding, however, the prosecutor decided to submit the complaint for preliminary investigation.

 Feligrino was released and was instead ordered to submit his counter-affidavit. But despite the ample time given to him, Feligrino did not answer the complaint, prompting the prosecutor to elevate the case to court. — (FREEMAN)