Makati court sets first hearing on Anikow case

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 59 has set its first hearing on the murder case of former US Marine and US diplomatic spouse George Anikow on Wednesday morning.

On November 29, Makati City Assistant City Prosecutor Gilbert Alcala found probable cause to file murder charges against suspects Juan Alfonso Abastillas, 24; Crispin dela Paz, 28; Osric Cabrera, 27; and Galicano Datu III.

The case was raffled that same day to the sala of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 59 Judge Winlove Dumayas.

Senior Superintenddent Manuel Lukban, Makati City police chief, said the accused in the case have all been transferred to the custody of the Makati City Jail as their case is being heard in court.

In its resolution, the Makati Prosecutor’s Office gave credibility to the sworn statement of security guard Jose Rommel Saavedra as well as on the footage taken by the village’s close circuit television cameras which captured the suspects beating up Anikow.

Police said Anikow, 41, a resident of Bel-Air Village, was declared dead at Makati Medical Center at about 7 a.m. last November 29.

Police said a drunk Anikow was standing beside Saavedra, who was on duty at the village gate, when the suspects arrived in a gray Volvo SUV (TOJ-886) at about 3:55 a.m.

Police said the suspects intended to enter the village as a short cut to nearby 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 allegedly strongly tapped the driver side portion and rear passenger side of the SUV.

This caused the suspects to alight and confront Anikow. Police said Saavedra tried to mediate but argument soon turned into a brawl.

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 Marine until he fell to the ground. It was later learned that Anikow was also stabbed during the fight.