Condo slay suspect enters ‘not guilty’ plea

Philippe Marcelo, one of the prime suspects in the rape-slay of bank teller Candice Castro, pleaded "not guilty" to charges yesterday.

Marcelo was arraigned at the sala of Manila Judge Reynaldo Alhambra of Regional Trial Court Branch 53. The accused was accompanied by his legal counsel Augusto Jimenez.

The court proceedings was witnessed by Castro’s parents, Rogelio and Grace.

Marcelo, 21, is now locked up at the Manila City jail, facing rape with homicide charges along with Bebs Reyes for the killing of Castro.

Reyes, who has a standing warrant of arrest, remain at large and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Western Police District have been hunting him down.

Castro’s body was found with 24 stab wounds inside her condominium unit at Vellagio Tower on Leon Guinto street, Malate, Manila last May 12.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco advised Reyes and his lawyers that it would better for him and his family to surrender and face the charges. — Cecille Suerte Felipe