Suspects in killing of Iranian charged

CEBU, Philippines – Police yesterday filed a complaint for robbery with homicide before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office against the suspects in the killing of Iranian student Ashkan Aminian in barangay Capitol Site last January 22.

Facing charges are Kenneth Gabutan, alias “Kakak,” 18, Malbert Rama, 21, and the 16-year-old minor who admitted pulling the trigger on Aminian. Gabutan reportedly drove the getaway vehicle, which is owned by Rama.

In an interview, the respondents said they shot Aminian out of desperation after the victim allegedly attempted to punch Gabutan.

The minor respondent said he did not intend to kill Aminian but was forced to pull the trigger when Aminian reportedly showed his karate moves.

He said it was the first time he had killed someone but was the second time he got involved in a robbery.

The minor, reportedly a “habal-habal” driver in barangay Kalunasan, said that after shooting Aminian, they took his wallet with P380 cash and spent the money on food.

They, however, left the victim’s mobile phone, as they were rushing to flee.

Meanwhile, the barangay captain of Kalunasan cried foul over the label “Kalunasan habal-habal robbery group” the police have given the respondents.

Barangay captain Edelito Mabano said that while Gabutan is indeed a resident of the barangay, it is unfair for the barangay to be identified with robbery or a group of robbers.

Aside from this, police have yet to establish whether Gabutan is indeed a “habal-habal” driver in the barangay. Gabutan also does not have any criminal record there.

Aside from figuring in Aminian’s case, Gabutan was also tagged as suspect in the robbery of call center employee Pauline Osorio. 

Mabano said Gabutan lives at the back of the Guadalupe Church, also reportedly a hideout of a fraternity.

Mabano said he already directed the “habal-habal” drivers in the barangay to organize and police their own ranks.

He said the barangay intends to form a federation out of the five existing groups of “habal-habal” drivers to make it easier to keep an eye on them. — Jasmin R. Uy and Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)