2 Barangay Ermita tanods charged with murder
CEBU, Philippines — For allegedly helping each other in the killing of a 38-year-old man they have arrested earlier, two tanods of Barangay Ermita, Cebu City are facing murder charges before the court.
Prosecutor III Noel Cellona held Junnel Sanchez, 31, and Jerome Abanto, 37, for trial after finding probable cause against them for allegedly shooting to death Lyndon Abadinas.
In an inquest proceeding, Sanchez and Abanto opted not to undergo further investigation to answer the accusations filed against them before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.
No bail was recommended for both accused.
In their joint-affidavit, police officers from the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) and Crimes Against Person Unit (CAPU) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said they were tasked to investigate the death of Abadinas last Oct. 10 at around 12:30 a.m. in Barangay Ermita.
Their investigation showed that Abadinas, 38, a resident of Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, was allegedly arrested and placed in a detention cell last October 9.
It further stated that Abanto was the one who arrested Abadinas. However, there was no record to show the reason and circumstances of his arrest.
Witnesses Jerome Panebio and Jestoni Pineda, who were also detained in the same stockade with Abadinas, said that Abadinas was manhandled by Abanto after he allegedly refused to sign a piece of paper.
Panebio and Pineda claimed no knowledge of the purpose of the piece of paper.
Also, Abadinas was allegedly handcuffed and his mouth was wrapped with a masking tape.
Witnesses also said Abanto pulled out Abadinas from the detention cell and turned over him to Sanchez.
Sanchez reportedly accompanied Abadinas outside the barangay hall upon the order of Abanto and it was when the shooting incident happened.
Sanchez later surrendered and turned over his .45 caliber pistol allegedly used in shooting Abadinas.
Abanto also surrendered.
Meanwhile, aside from murder, Sanchez was also charged with illegal possession of firearm with P100,000 recommended bail. (FREEMAN)
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