10 charged in Carcar mayor son's murder

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 10 people, including the two previously arrested by the police, were charged in court for the murder of the youngest son of Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura last week.

Carcar City prosecutor Richard Abangan, Sr. has indicted the alleged gunman Jaybhoy Lauron and his cohort Jethro Lapina in the murder of Carl Vinson Apura. Jaybhoy and Jethro were arrested during the hot pursuit operation conducted by the Carcar City police.

Aside from them eight others were also included in the case because of the testimonies of the two eyewitnesses. The other accused are Jewish Lapiña, Glenn Cinco alias Impiong, James Ali Castañares, Jay Castañares, Zig Abarquez, Demosthenes Abarquez alias Dugo, Rizal Cayme alias Izal and a certain Jetto.

The eight other accused remained at-large but are expected to be issued arrest warrant soon following the filing of the case in court where there was no bail recommended.

Although the police failed to establish the motive behind the shooting to death of Apura in Sitio Upper Tubod, Barangay Valladolid on May 13, the witness positively identified the 10 accused as the people behind the crime.

Chris Lastima, a motorcycle driver, said he was waiting for passenger in Sitio Awayan, Barangay Poblacion III at about 12:30 a.m. on May 13 when someone hired him for Sitio Upper Tubod, Valladolid where a disco party was held.

“Upon our arrival thereat, I was amused with the events that led me to stay and watch the ongoing disco party while waiting for a passenger,” Lastima’s affidavit reads.

While watching at the dance floor, Lastima said he noticed a man dancing like a gay roaming around which he later knew as Jaybhoy. He likewise noticed Carl’s group sitting near the disc jockey.

Lastima said he saw Jethro approached the victim and hugged him while Jaybhoy was busy going the dance floor around. His attention was allegedly drawn with James Ali handing over a gun to Jaybhoy while the rest of the accused scattered around the dance floor.

While Jethro was still hugging Carl, Jaybhoy shot the latter in the head. After the victim fell on the ground, Jewish pulled Jaybhoy and aided his escape.

Impiong took the gun from Jaybhoy before they went outside the dance floor and fled. Lastima’s testimony was corroborated by another eyewitness Mark Satumkakal.

Jaybhoy was arrested in Bohol after an informant told the police of his whereabouts on May 17, 2012. While Jethro was also arrested a day after. (FREEMAN)