Man who killed his neighbor faces raps

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has downgraded a murder case into homicide against a 25-year-old man who shot and stabbed his 36-year-old neighbor.

Rogelio “Roger” Belandres, 25, is now temporarily detained at the Dalaguete police stockade after he voluntarily surrendered at the said station yesterday morning.

Belandres admitted the killing of Elidio Dicdican, 36, of Sitio Hilangga, Barangay Nalhub, Dalaguete on Wednesday evening. Dicdican succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds on his body and one stab wound on his chest.

Dalaguete police investigator Senior Police Officer 2 Clito Pia said both already had personal grudges which started when Dicdican, who was allegedly under the influence of liquor, challenged Belandres to a fist fight.

“Ingon ani man gyud kuno ni ug mahubog magpataka lang estorya,” Pia said.

On Wednesday evening, Dicdican went after his 17-year-old son who was playing cards at the house of his neighbor and met Belandres.

Pia said, Belandres tried to stab Dicdican first but he was stopped by his other neighbor.

Dicdican went outside the house without knowing that Belandres followed him by passing through the back door of the house. The suspect reportedly shot Dicdican four times.

Not contented with what he did, Belandres allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Dicdican in the chest to make sure he was dead. However, no evidence was recovered.

 Pia said Dicdican was fatally shot causing his immediate death. They suspected that Belandres was using a .357 revolver.

A few days ago both were subjected to a hearing at the Nalhub Barangay Hall but Dicdican failed to appear before the barangay captain.

Police Officer 2 Franklin Dian, who accompanied Belandres to the Palace of Justice, said the suspect executed an affidavit denying the accusations saying it was Dicdican who had in his possession a firearm and a knife which he managed to grab during their scuffle.

Dian said it is now up to the court to decide on the case filed.   - (THE FREEMAN)