Dizon Murder Case: Court verdict out today: Is Belandres guilty or not?

Two years since The Freeman photojournalist Allan Dizon was killed, the Regional Trial Court is set today to promulgate its verdict against the accused gunman Edgar Belandres.

At 3 o'clock this afternoon RTC judge Ireneo Lee Gako Jr will promulgate his decision on whether Belandres is guilty of killing Allan or not.

Allan's widow, Amelina, yesterday was both excited and apprehensive on the outcome of the battle for justice of her husband's death but she refused to wager a guess on the court's ruling.

"Ako na lang nang itugyan sa Ginoo," she said, as she could not hide her wish to see Belandres convicted.

Amelina said she will offer Mass for her husband this morning and visit his grave at the Queen City Memorial Gardens before going to the RTC for the promulgation of judgement on the case.

The court earlier scheduled the promulgation of judgement last December 20 but was deferred until today upon the request of the defense counsel, a matter that disappointed Amelina at the time.

Defense lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva contended that Christmas celebration would not be as meaningful to both parties whichever the decision of the case would favor.

Salva said he was confident Belandres would be acquitted but the defense was not yet prepared to accept the verdict during the Christmas season.

Witnesses had identified Belandres as the alleged gunman who peppered Allan's body with bullets on November 27, 2004 at the north reclamation area while the victim was standing near the parking area of a mall. - Fred P. Languido