Makati prosecutor orders murder raps vs US marine's attackers

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City Prosecutor's Office has found probable cause to file murder charges against three businessmen and a student of De La Salle University for allegedly beating up and killing a former United States marine in Makati City on Saturday.

In a five-page decision, the city prosecutor's office gave credibility to the affidavit of security guard Jose Rommel Saavedra against Jose Alfonzo Abastillas, 24; Crispin Chong Dela Paz, 28; Osric Malabanan Cabrera, 27; and Galicano Salas Datu III.

The four suspects were charged before the city prosecutor's office for the death of former US marine George Anikow.

The prosecutor's office also cited the CCTV (closed-circuit television) footage where the four suspects were seen beating up Anikow.

Anikow, 41, lived in Bel-Air Subdivision. He was declared dead in Makati Medical Center about 7 a.m. Saturday. His body was sent to Rizal Funeral Homes in Pasay for autopsy.

A drunk Anikow was allegedly standing beside Saavedra, who was on duty at the subdivision gate, when the suspects arrived in a gray Volvo sport utility vehicle (TOJ-886) at about 3:55 a.m. on Saturday.

The group was supposed to enter the subdivision as a short cut to Palm Village, where Cabrera lives.

Abastillas, who was driving the SUV, rolled down his window and talked to Saavadera. Anikow, reportedly, interrupted them and said: “You need to present your ID, the guard is checking you.”

Abastillas initially ignored Anikow but asked Saavedra before rolling up his window. Before Abastillas could move away, Anikow “strongly tapped the driver side portion and rear passenger side of the suspects’ car.”

The “irked” suspects alighted and confronted Anikow. Saavedra tried to mediate but Anikow allegedly pushed one of the suspects, turning the verbal tussle into a fistfight.

During the brawl, Anikow ran away from the suspects but they chased him. When the four caught up with Anikow, they continued to beat up the former US serviceman until he fell to the ground.

The former US marine was apparently stabbed while being beaten up.