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Sunday, August 24, 2003
Another frat boss shot dead in brawl
CEBU -- A leader of the Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) was killed while four alleged members of another fraternity suffered stab wounds in a clash that each group blamed on the other.
Members of Akrho and Trihedron Gamma Phi Sigma fought near the old Minglanilla sports complex, where they gathered for a dance and concert held during the town's fiesta last Friday.
Police predicted more bloody confrontations between the two groups because Akrho members said they know the killer, but would not give names.
This gave the impression that Akrho might avenge the frat member's death, said SPO3 Luis Salve, who led the police team that responded to the incident.
Salve said not one Akrho member showed up at the police station to execute affidavits for possible filing of complaints.
Based on police records, the incident was the first time Trihedron and Akrho clashed. Trihedron was founded sometime in 1976.
Akrho and Tau Gamma Phi members were usually the ones who figured in bloody fights.
Their brawls have prompted police officials, including Cebu City Police Chief Cecil Ezra Sandalo, to describe these groups as "a menace to society and a threat to peace and order."
Fatality
Minglanilla police identified Saturday's fatality as William Herrera, 25, of San Isidro, Talisay City.
Richard Buscaino, Akrho president and owner of San Fernando Funeral Homes where Herrera's body was brought, said Herrera was the head of the fraternity's Rho Chi (Talisay City) chapter.
Those who were wounded were identified as Rex Tapdasan, 20, and Ryan Pansoy, both from nearby Naga town; and Hilbert Diaz, 19, and his elder brother Achilles, both of Barangay Abuno, Minglanilla.
The old sports complex is 150 to 200 meters from the police station.
Ramon, a Trihedron official who allowed an interview on condition of anonymity, confirmed Hilbert belongs to their group, but not Achilles.
Retired policeman and Abuno Barangay Captain Jerry Caņares likewise said Achilles was not a member of either group.
Ramon said he was not sure if Tapdasan and Pansoy were Trihedron members, as he claimed not to know all members of their group.
Salve, however, said that except for Achilles, those injured were Trihedron members.
Caņares said Achilles always tried to avoid trouble, but not his brother Hilbert, whom the barangay captain described as a headache to the community.
Different versions
Each group had its own version of what happened.
Buscaino said he learned that Herrera and members of his chapter were in Minglanilla to attend the fiesta celebration when attacked by Trihedron members at 12:15 a.m. Saturday.
He said somebody approached Herrera from behind and pumped a bullet into his nape, killing him instantly. This took place in an alley beside Palawan Bank in Barangay Poblacion Ward I.
He said the incident couldn't have been instigated by Akrho because they pledged during their recent anniversary celebration not to start any more fights.
"The victim was treacherously attacked from behind. If Herrera's group started it, why was he shot from behind? Besides, he could have also suffered other wounds," Buscaino said.
He urged Trihedron to "turn over" the assailant to authorities to prevent further violence. He also asked the police to quickly arrest the gunman, whose identity-as Salve said-is known to Akrho members who gathered at the Minglanilla District Hospital.
Taunts
The Trihedrons had their version of the story.
Ramon said his brods (fraternity brothers) were outside the Prince Warehouse Club outlet beside the sports complex when Herrera and his companions began taunting the Trihedrons.
Ramon said he was not around during the incident, but his members reported to him what happened.
He said the Akrhos kept on passing in front of the Trihedrons and pointing fingers at them. Somebody from the Trihedrons approached the Akrhos and asked what was the matter.
This set off the melee.
"Why would the Trihedrons start a fight when they knew there are many Akrhos there?" Ramon said.
Salve said PO3 Eugene Amanence, who was stationed in the area, sought help when trouble erupted.
He said that when they arrived at the scene, they heard a shot and found Herrera lying lifeless on a narrow path.
Farther down were the four injured persons, two of whom allegedly got inside a house to avoid their pursuers.
Yolanda Gasataya, 46, said the two men, one of whom had a stab wound in the abdomen, surprised her husband, who picked up a broom and started hitting them so they'd leave.
Her husband stopped when another man, armed with a knife, arrived and stabbed one of those who took shelter in the house, and left.
According to the police, Hilbert got stabbed in the abdomen, Tapdasan and Pansoy at the back, and Achilles in his left arm.(Sun.Star Cebu)
(August 24, 2003 issue)
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