2 face homicide raps for ex-mayor's death

MANILA, Philippines – Two men accused of killing a former town mayor in Saranggani Province have been charged with homicide before the Manila regional trial court.

Assistant City Prosecutor Lourdes Antonieta Danta recommended a bail of P40,000 each for Nelson Montebon and Benito del Castillo Jr.

In a resolution issued on Feb. 20, Danta said Montebon and Del Castillo shot and killed former Maitum, Saranggani mayor Felix Reganit during an argument in Tondo, Manila. Oct. 31, 2008.

Court records said Reganit and Del Castillo had a heated argument around 10:30 a.m. last Oct. 31 at the Luz Ice Plant and Storage on Honorio Lopez Boulevard in Balut, Tondo.

In their defense, Montebon and Del Castillo said they repeatedly shot Reganit after he pulled out a gun during the altercation, according to court records.

Court records showed a woman told Montebon that Reganit had poked a gun and attempted to kill Montebon’s cousin.

The argument started when Montebon and Del Castillo confronted Reganit, according to court records.

However, Eloise Reganit, the victim’s wife, the “self-serving allegations” of the two accused cannot prevail over the declaration of eyewitnesses.

Treachery attended the shooting of her husband, who was outnumbered at that time he was killed, she added.

Police learned that Montebon’s and Del Castillo’s permits to carry guns were only issued on Jan. 6, 2009, more than two months after Reganit was shot and killed. Montebon’s firearm’s license card was also issued on that day, police said.

Montebon and Del Castillo were earlier charged with murder, but the investigating prosecutor recommended that the charges be lowered to homicide.           – Sandy Araneta