Actor's killer surrenders

MANILA, Philippines - The prime suspect in the killing of actor John Apacible surrendered to police authorities Sunday night, hours after the incident in Cainta town in Rizal.

Armando Rustia, 61, a seaman, and resident of 28 Primerose street, Greenland Subdivision in Barangay San Juan turned himself in to elements of the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) in Camp Crame at about 6 p.m. Sunday.

Rustia was turned over to the custody of the Cainta municipal police and was rushed later to the Cainta Municipal Hospital after he complained of dizziness.

In a TV interview, Apacible’s mother, Aurora, claimed he talked with his brother who expressed remorse over the killing of the actor, (Enrique Apacible in real life), 38.

Rustia told the actor’s mother that he did not intend to kill his nephew.

“He told me that he should be the one who died and not his nephew,” said Aurora.

Rustia and Apacible and two other relatives were having a drinking spree in front the house of the former late Saturday.

After their two relatives left at 12 midnight, the duo resumed drinking until they engaged in a heated argument hours later.

Police said the actor allegedly punched Rustia at the height of the argument prompting the seaman to rush inside their house.

The actor ran after his uncle and was about to attack him when Rustia shot him twice in the chest. Apacible died while being rushed to the hospital.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Calabarzon police director, said Apacible’s case was considered ‘solved’ after the surrender of Rustia Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the actor’s remains will be cremated on Sunday.