Man gets 30 years for traffic row murder

MANILA, Philippines - A man was sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in jail for killing a car passenger who asked him not to block the road.

In his decision, Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 257 Judge Rolando How found Rolando Asoy guilty of murder for “treacherously” stabbing Michael John Sebullen on Oct. 12, 2008.

According to Sebullen’s sister, Maria Criselda, she, her mother Elizabeth, and her siblings were cruising in Sampaloc Site II, Barangay BF Homes when Asoy blocked their path.

Their driver honked his horn but Asoy stayed in the middle of the road, prompting Michael John to ask him to move so they could pass.

Maria Criselda said Asoy just stared at her bro­ther “menacingly” and threatened that he would get back at him.

The Sebullens ignored Asoy, who hit their car’s rear as they drove ahead. But when they pulled over for Michael John to buy cigarettes, Asoy ran toward him and stabbed him in the back. 

Michael John tried to run away but Asoy chased him and stabbed the victim in the chest when he stumbled, the court said.

The stabbing was witnessed by Elizabeth, who could not stop crying when called to testify. Asoy, according to the court, ran away but was caught by bystanders who later beat him.

Asoy admitted to stabbing Michael John but said it was in self-defense. He said he was walking when the Sebullens’ car hit his left hand.

He told the driver to slow down but Michael John punched him and pulled out a knife. Asoy said he got hold of the knife and hit the victim.

The judge said Asoy could not use self-defense to vindicate himself because the stab wounds inflicted on Michael John were intended to “kill,” not incapacitate.

Following How’s ruling, Asoy was transferred to the New Bilibid Prisons. He was also ordered to pay the Sebullens P100,000 for damages.