Man charged with murder

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office recommended no bail against a suspect in the shooting to death of a man in Barangay Lorega nine months ago after finding probable cause to indict him of murder.

Assistant city prosecutor Rodulph Joseph Val Carillo elevated before the Regional Trial Court the complaint of murder against Brian Sentillas for allegedly killing Ramil Tuñacao on April 15, 2010 at 6:00 o’clock in the evening in Sitio Itum-Yuta, Barangay Lorega.

Sentillas sought a reconsideration of the results of the preliminary investigation that found probable cause against him. But, Carillo dismissed it on the grounds of technicality because the accused failed to show proof that he has paid the required payment.

Sentillas allegedly killed Tuñacao by shooting him while the latter was in a drinking session with friends.

The accused denied the charges saying he was in Mactan visiting a friend when the crime happened. But, witness Edgar Cabañas positively identified the accused as the one who allegedly shot Tuñacao dead.

According to Cabañas, Sentillas approached the victim, pulled out a handgun and shot him. Tuñacao sustained a gunshot wound on the head.

Based on the eyewitness account, Carrillo found probable cause to charge the accused with murder. In a resolution dated July 6, 2010, Carillo said the circumstances would show that the victim was not in a position to defend himself when shot.

"As against positive identification by prosecution witness, the accused's alibi is worthless," the resolution reads. – (FREEMAN)