Accused in Osorio murder to enter plea today

CEBU, Philippines - One of the alleged killers of the late assistant city prosecutor Patrick Osorio will be arraigned today.

Regional Trial Court Judge Silvestre Maamo has scheduled the arraignment of Lyndon Horandoy, 28, native of Maghaway, Talisay City, at 2:00 p.m. after the previous schedule was deferred because of the absence of his lawyer.

Horandoy is one of the two accused in the murder of Osorio in January 2009. The other accused, Allan Senogat, was arrested ahead of him and is now facing trial.

Unlike Senogat however Horandoy confessed in the killing of Osorio. Following his arrest recently, Horandoy signed an extra-judicial confession where he admitted shooting Osorio in January 6, 2009 in Barangay Mambaling.

Horandoy, in a two-page affidavit, tagged Senogat as the one who allegedly ordered him. Horandoy said he was only supposed to drive Senogat to Mambaling but the latter took over the motorcycle and asked him to shoot Osorio instead.

He however said that he did not know that their target was a prosecutor until he heard of the news. Horandoy said a woman whom he did not know the name hired Senogat to kill the prosecutor.

His affidavit however was taken without the assistance of the lawyer.

Cebu City Intelligence Branch Chief Romeo Santader denied reports that Horandoy has already recanted his testimony. Santander said, the accused is very much cooperative in their investigation.

It will be known this afternoon, however, if Horandoy will stick to his earlier admission. —  (FREEMAN)