Witnesses say Carillo did not attack teenager

CEBU, Philippines - “He was not at the crime scene that occurred between our groups. I only noticed him at the police station.”

This was the statement in the sworn affidavit of Zyle Jourdan Saturinas, 23, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City referring to Cebu City south district Councilor Gerardo Carillo. It was submitted before lawyer Renan Oliva of the National Bureau of Investigation-7.

Oliva said Saturinas and Mario Buella, of Barangay Cogon-Pardo, Cebu City, appeared before their office yesterday with lawyer Kirk Repollo.

The two voluntarily executed an affidavit to attest that Carillo hads nothing to do with the attack on the 16-year-old boy.

Carillo was earlier accused of hitting the head of the boy with a rock outside a restobar in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City, last July 7 past 3 a.m.

The victim had to undergo surgery for the injuries he sustained.

However, Carillo denied hitting the victim. He claimed he only pacified the teenagers who were having a fight.

Carillo's contentions were corroborated by Saturinas, Buella, Eman Fuentes, two security guards and Duljo-Fatima Barangay Captain Elmer Abella.

Saturinas said he was in the area together with his friends to unwind. However, he said the victim's group allegedly provoked them, leading to a fight.

Buella, who witness the incident, said he saw a teenager throw a rock at the victim's group.

“In a rumble, I didn't see Councilor Carillo but only the group of teenagers,” he said. He added he was sure of what he saw because he was near the fighting youths.

The incident happened outside Kuerks bar.

Abella narrated that while having a drink with Carillo and others, a woman came asking Carillo for help because some teenagers were fighting.

He said he found out later that it was the group of the victim who started the fight and Saturina's group was only fighting back. He added he was surprised when Carillo was dragged into the incident.

Oliva said the statements of Saturinas, Buella, Fuentes and two security guards will be subject to verification.

Earlier, Carillo asked the NBI to investigate the incident to avoid any biases considering the brother of the victim is a member of the PNP who is assigned in Cebu City, PO1 Kenneth Pogoy.

Oliva also said once the victim gets better he will be summoned to appear before their office and also Carillo to get their statements.  (FREEMAN)