Welder bludgeoned dead

CEBU, Philippines - A 47-year-old welder died of severe head injury after a man who had history of mental illness struck his head with a hammer while sleeping in Barangay Jugan, Consolacion yesterday dawn.

Celestino Taberos, married, of Barangay Poog, Toledo City, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

The suspect was identified as Beinvenido Abella, 32, and is said to have been just released from a mental institution. Abella is the brother-in-law of the victim’s boss, Dendo Almario, 34.

According to Police Officer 1 Rechie Gilleran, desk officer of the Consolacion Police Station, the victim was sleeping with his two co-workers inside the house of Almario when the incident happened.

The suspect battered Taberos’ head with a hammer and allegedly tried to hit the others who were also sleeping. However, he was pushed by Julie Cabaluna, 24, who witnessed the incident.

The suspect was arrested and was turned over to the police station. The victim was rushed to Mendero Medical Center in Consolacion where he was declared dead on arrival.

The victim and the suspect were neighbors in Toledo City and did not have any conflict.

“Posible, nabalikan to sa iyang sakit,” said Gilleran.

Abella is now detained at the police station and will be charged with murder. (FREEMAN)