Two suspects in Manila condo rape-slay indicted

Charges of rape with homicide were filed before the Manila Trial Court against Philippe Marcelo and Bebs Reyes, who had been tagged in the gruesome killing of bank teller Candice Castro two months ago.

Manila City Assistant Prosecutor Elseray Faith Noro found probable cause to hold Marcelo and Reyes for court trial for the capital offense.

"After careful evaluation of the circumstances obtaining this case, undersigned finds probable cause to warrant the indictment of Philippe Marcelo and Bebs Reyes in court for the complex crime of rape with homicide," Noro stated in her eight-page resolution.

The prosecutor also recommended that an information for the special complex crime of rape with homicide be filed against Marcelo and Reyes before the regional trial court.

Castro, 23, was found dead inside her condominium unit at the Vellagio Tower on Leon Guinto street in Ermita, Manila last May 12. She suffered 24 stab wounds in the body and a mop handle was found inserted in her private part.

The case has been raffled off to Judge Reynaldo Alhambra of RTC Branch 52, a special court handling heinous crimes.

Noro pointed out there was conspiracy in the crime as Marcelo claimed he was with Reyes when the crime was committed.

"As to who (between) of them is the actual assailant is irrelevant at this stage because the same is for the court to determine. At his level, there lies prima facie proof of conspiracy, in which the act of one is the act of all," Noro ruled.

Court records showed that Marcelo and Reyes along with others had a drinking session at Vellagio Tower Prior to the killing.

Reyes claimed he went to his unit at 1105.

During ocular investigation, responding lawmen and agents at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recovered Marcelo’s rubber sandals and his fingerprints were found in the shower.

When arrested hours after the discovery of the victim, Marcelo had scratches on the face.

Noro noted that Marcelo had no scratches on the face during the drinking bout.

She said that the circumstances, "if taken in its entirely would inevitably lead us to conclude that Marcelo and Reyes are probably guilty of the special crime of rape with homicide."

Marcelo, who was arrested a day after the killing, accused Reyes of being the mastermind.

Castro’s mother, Grace, was thankful for the resolution.

"At least, the trial of the case will start soon," she told The STAR in a telephone interview.