Slain US Marine ‘started brawl,’ guard says

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard detailed at the Rockwell Center in Makati City testified yesterday that it was George Anikow, a 41-year-old United States Marine, who instigated the brawl with four men that ended with his death.

Assistant City Prosecutor Hannah Arriola presented Jose Rommel Saavedra as prosecution witness in yesterday’s continuing bail hearing at the sala of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 59 Judge Winlove Dumayas.

According to Arriola, the prosecution presented Saavedra to testify on his presence during the brawl as it was captured by a closed-circuit television camera of the Rockwell Center.

Arriola said the prosecution intends to prove that the four accused conspired to murder Anikow, the husband of an American diplomat stationed in Manila.

Saavedra testified he was manning his post at the Rockwell Center gate at the intersection of Kalayaan Avenue and Rockwell Drive at about 4 a.m. on Nov. 24, 2012 when Anikow, who according to him was drunk, arrived walking from nearby Burgos street.

He said Anikow, who was in a pair of brown shorts and a blue shirt, asked if he could enter the gate going to the Rockwell Center. Saavedra said he told Anikow to wait as the gate does not open until 5 a.m.

Saavedra said Anikow did not leave his side until Juan Alfonso Abastillas, 24; Crispin dela Paz, 28; Osric Cabrera, 27; and Galicano Datu III, 22; arrived in a Volvo sport utility vehicle or SUV (TOJ-886).

According to Saavedra, he asked Abastillas, who was driving the SUV, where they were going. Abastillas replied they were going to the Joya Lofts and Towers at the Rockwell Center, he said.

Saavedra said that as they were talking, Anikow joined the conversation.

“Ang sabi niya na paulit-ulit (He kept on saying), present your IDs. The guard is checking you. Respect the guard,” the guard said, adding that he restrained Anikow and prevented him from reaching the SUV as the American ranted.

Saavedra said Abastillas then asked him who the American was. “Ang sabi ko, pasensya na po sir, kanina pa nagungulit sa akin yan (I said, ‘My apologies, sir. He has been pestering me),’” he testified.

Saavedra said he then allowed the SUV to pass through the gate. However, he was surprised when he heard a loud thud as Anikow pounded on the rear portion of the SUV as Abastillas drove away from the gate. The guard also testified that Anikow also shouted invectives at the accused as they drove off.

Saavedra said the SUV then stopped a short distance from his post and the four accused alighted. Anikow rushed to the four men and then hit one of them, he said.

Defense lawyers said it was Cabrera who was punched in the jaw by Anikow, making him fall to the ground. Saavedra said a brawl ensued, sending Anikow running toward the fence of the nearby Bel-Air Village. Saavedra said the accused followed Anikow and the brawl continued. Anikow later fell bloodied after being stabbed by one of the accused.

Saavedra told the court that he then radioed his colleagues and asked that the Volvo SUV be stopped as it sped along Estrella street. He said the SUV was stopped by his fellow guards. Police later recovered a tactical knife inside the SUV.