Almirante son posts bail, claims self-defense

CEBU, Philippines - The son of former provincial board member Antonio Almirante Jr. posted a bail of P20, 000, yesterday at the Regional Trial Court Argao, Cebu.

Antonio Almirante III filed a motion to reduce the bail from P40,000 the recommended bail bond for his temporary liberty.

Judge Maximo A. Perez signed the release order of Antonio III at around 5:00 p.m. yesterday. Antonio III is accused of shooting to death his brother, Allan, inside their house last Tuesday.

Prosecutor 1 Ferdinand A. Collantes downgraded the case of Antonio III from murder to homicide after he examined it and concluded that there was no intent to kill.

During the inquest proceedings, Antonio III said that Allan told him “Pusila ko” (Shoot me) twice, while approaching him with a knife.

Respondent admitted he shot his brother but stressed it was all in self defense.

Antonio III’s father, lawyer Attorney Almirante Jr., will stand as his lead counsel.

Both father and son refused to talk to the media.

It was Police Senior Inspector Reyman Tolentin of Argao Police Station who filed the complaint before the Provincial Prosecutors Office. Tolentin filed a complaint for murder but Prosecutor Collantes downgraded the case into homicide.

Last Tuseday at around 9:45 a.m., the Argao Police Station received information regarding a shooting incident inside the house of Almirante’s family.

Police officers proceeded to the house and saw Allan lying on the floor, bloodied and dead. The police recovered three empty shells of a 9mm caliber as well as an improvised stainless steel knife.

Police revealed that the victim was armed with a knife, went wild and challenged his brother.

Almirante III took the gun only to intimidate his brother, but Allan continued attacking him so he fired.

In an affidavit executed by SPO1 Jaime Mendoza of the Argao Police Station said that Mrs. Alma Mendoza, a daughter of the former PB member, informed him that his brothers were fighting in their family home in Sitio Suba, Poblacion.

He furthered stated that the respondent voluntarily surrendered and admitted shooting his brother to defend himself.

Almirante III said he could no longer recall where he placed the gun. — THE FREEMAN