Driver charged for killing vendor

CEBU, Philippines - A driver is now facing murder charges for killing a vendor in Carbon Public Market.

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s office filed charges before the Regional Trial Court against Roel Nerosa, of Sitio Ican, Barangay Cansantik, Sibonga, Cebu who was tagged responsible for killing vendor Ca-talino Torre within the vicinity of Carbon Public Market last April 9, 2011.

Prosecutor Simaco Labata recommended no bail for the accused who failed to submit his counter-affidavit.

“After evaluating the uncontroverted evidence, there is sufficient evidence to indict respondent of the crime of murder with treachery and evident premeditation and hereby recommends that the corresponding information be filed in court against him,” Prosecutor Labata’s resolution reads.

Francisco Deiparine, 59, vendor and a resident of Barangay Lamacan, Sibonga, executed an affidavit saying he was a friend of the victim Catalino Torre.

He revealed that at 2:30 a.m. on the said date, he was having a conversation with the victim while sitting on a bamboo bed located at the sidewalk of M.C. Briones and Plaridel Sts., Carbon Market and a few minutes after they fell asleep, the victim was shot by the accused.

“That few minutes later we both fell asleep and I was awakened when I saw our neighbor Roel Nerosa, armed with a handgun, suddenly approach Torre who was sound asleep,” Deiparine’s affidavit reads.

He also revealed in his affidavit that within close range, the suspect shot the victim twice on the head for no apparent reason causing the latter to lie motionless..

Deiparine said after the incident, the accused then fled onboard a waiting PUJ which was believed to be a getaway vehicle.   He added when the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) responded, ERUF personnel declared Torre dead on the spot while the accused eluded arrest. (FREEMAN)