Plumber charged for killing co-worker, son

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal complaint for double murder was filed against a plumber who allegedly murdered his superior and his son for not renewing his employment contract last January.

Elements of Cordova Police Station have filed the complaint against Terry Pilapil and his still unidentified companion before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. Pilapil was accused of killing Victoriano Verallo and his son, Jury, in January 30 at 9:40 p.m. in barangay Gabi, Cordova.

Reports said the victims came from Lapu-Lapu City where they worked as plumbers at BXT Corporation and were on their way home to Cordova when Pilapil allegedly chased the motorcycle-for-hire they were riding and shoot them to death.

Motorcycle driver Jerry Sapio said the victims ordered him to run faster because a certain Terry was allegedly chasing them. However, upon reaching barangay Gabi his passengers were shot by the riders of another motorcycle that has been chasing them since they were in Lapu-Lapu City.

   Victoriano’s wife, Teresita, said her husband confided to her in December last year that Pilapil got angry with him because the latter’s employment contract was no longer renewed.

The non-renewal of the contract was allegedly based on the victim’s recommendation, as he was the lead man of the plumbing section, because of the suspect’s poor work performance.

Prior to the murder, Pilapil had already attempted to kill Victoriano in December by striking him with a pipe but fortunately missed the victim.

Victoriano allegedly reported to the management that Pilapil is very lazy and is always sleeping during work hours. Because of that, the company had decided to no longer renew Pilapil’s contract. — Fred P. Languido/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)