Saturday, September 16, 2006
Radiomen eyed in Trading slays
By Rhodamae M. Hernandez
DAVAO CITY -- The Sta. Ana police are readying the papers for the filing of murder cases against four men, including two radiomen, accused of stabbing two men to death and hurting another in Trading along Quezon Boulevard last September 15.
The suspects -- identified as Fede Manrequez, 28, former block time radio announcer of dxGO; his cousin Jun Pelare, 30, host of Sumbungan sa Katawhan in dxOW; and their kin, Michael and Junison Manrequez, all residents of Barangay 37-D, Trading.
They are the suspects in the death of Jose Anito Puson Jr. alias Elorde and Nerio Ding-ding and in causing injury to Rene Sumili, 26.
The incident happened around midnight of September 14 when the victims were having a drinking spree at the covered court in their neighborhood.
Sumili said he was the one who was stabbed first but managed to run away, as the four men ganged up on his two companions.
The two -- Puson and Ding-ding -- were brought to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival due to multiple fatal stab wounds.
"We know each other, we were friends. I even asked him what my fault was but he did not reply," Sumili sad in an interview.
Witnesses also pointed to the four men as the killers. A certain Alvin Ondap told Sun.Star that he saw Fede stab the two victims after Sumili ran away.
"I witnessed it. Fede even shouted, we're all even now," according to Ondap.
Another witness, Leizel, told police that Puson was still alive after being stabbed by Junison. The suspect finished Puson off by smashing a rock on his head.
The suspects left the crime scene boarding a taxi, cursing, and giving the dirty finger sign.
Pelare and Fede were arrested with the help of village chief Prime Atillo. Pelare denied the accusations.
"I don't know why I've been included here when I was just sleeping at home. It must have been a case of mistaken identity," he said.
Witnesses did say that Pelare was with the suspects but was not among those who stabbed the victims.
While Fede also has his excuse, saying it was self-defense.
"Sumili stabbed me first because he was telling me off. I only acted in self-defense. I don't know anything about the two others who were killed," Fede said.
Another who identified herself as Laling, aunt of the suspects, said the accused had a drinking spree in their house during the birthday party of Elmer Pelare, Jun's brother, who is an announcer of dxRA.
"They were at Elmer's birthday but I didn't know that they were involved in a crime. But if they are at fault, then I will have them face the charges even if they're my nephews," Laling said. Sta Ana Police are now having a manhunt operation to arrest Michael and Junison who remain at large. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(September 16, 2006 issue)
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