Suspect in Busay killing surrenders

The suspect in the stabbing to death of a 30-year-old man last Sunday surrendered to the police yesterday morning, claiming the killing stemmed from an act of self-defense.

Luncio Dayap, 60, of sitio Upper La Guerta, barangay Busay, was accompanied by his daughters, nieces and several barangay tanods to the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office to surrender.

Dayap was tagged in the killing of 30-year-old Marlon Senerpida, who was stabbed eight times and died before reaching the hospital.

Police said the incident took place during the day’s fiesta celebration in Plaza Housing where an illegal cockfight was held.

Dayap told The Freeman that he was drunk during the incident and was surprised when the victim hit him with empty bottles. He said he was forced to fight back, stabbing the victim several times in the chest.

The suspect denied having started the trouble and carrying a bladed weapon at that time, saying that he seized the knife from the victim during the melee.

According to him, it was the victim who asked for money from him, contradicting earlier reports that he was the one who demanded money and stabbed the victim when he refused to give.

Dayap showed the bruises in his forehead and his swollen forearm as proof that he was just acting in self-defense.

His daughter told The Freeman that her father won in the gambling that day. She said her father got mauled but managed to fight back against the group of the victim.

The victim’s wife, however, denied that her husband asked for money, saying that he was just collecting his prize of P50 from the suspect who lost in the game.

Meanwhile, the Homicide Section is now preparing to file a homicide charge against the suspect before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office today. - Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM