Murder charges eyed against farm caretakers

CEBU, Philippines – Two caretakers of a farm allegedly owned by a former mayor will possibly face double murder charges for reportedly killing two boys whom they mistook as thieves in Barangay Cubacub, Mandaue City.

SPO1 Jerwin Vejer of Mandaue's Investigation and Detective Management Bureau told The FREEMAN yesterday that they are thoroughly investigating the case and trying to determine if the farm owner will be included in charges that they will file.

There were reports that the two-hectare farm, which is being used to raise live-stock, is owned by a former mayor.

"Since minor ang gipatay, bugat gyud ang kaso thinking sa disposition sa mga bata nga wala'y capability nga makabawos, adding that Comelec gun ban pa karon," Vejer said.

Farm caretakers Lucas Taoy, 35, native of Barangay Lanitga, and Jason Laurente, 18 of Barangay Tacan, both of Carmen town, were arrested by elements of the Mandaue City Police Office on Saturday morning after being held responsible for the killing of Aljay Acuesta, 13, and Ellari Villarin, 14, both residents of Cubacub.

The kids, who were allegedly out to look for spiders, were shot by the suspects after allegedly mistaken for thieves who stole the GI sheet fences of the farm.

Police said they are also waiting for the farm owner to show up before their office to give his side on the incident.

According to Vejer, the victims could have died on Thursday afternoon which coincides with the witnesses' statement that they heard gunshots coming from the farm that same day.

The dead bodies were recovered almost midnight on Friday by the mother of Villarin, Emma Soco and Cubacub barangay councilman, Virgilio Gogo, near a barbed wire fence.

Villarin was found with three gunshot wounds to his abdomen while Acuesta died of two gunshot wounds to his chest.

Police recovered from the suspects .22 Beretta pistol with a loaded magazine, a Magnum revolver loaded with six bullets and a mobile phone own by Laurente which shows messages pointing to his involvement in the incident.

Vejer said the victims were both graduating students of Casili Elementary School and belonged to indigent families.

Under the City Social Welfare and Services Code, the city can provide at least P10,000 cash assistance to both victims but parents should go to the CSWS office first for necessary information on how to get the assistance.

Mandaue City information officer Roger Paller said it is up to the mayor if he would request to provide additional assistance for the family of the victims. (FREEMAN)