Construction worker, brother face criminal charges

MANILA, Philippines - A construction worker and his brother are facing criminal charges for allegedly killing a drinking partner during a brawl in Quezon City Sunday night.

Allan and Alberto Enocillas were accused of killing Ernesto Salamilao who died upon arrival at the Quezon City General Hospital after he suffered various stab wounds.

The brawl started after Allan tried to borrow the bicycle of one of his drinking partners Glen Pomasin who rejected his demand, which started the commotion that resulted in the killing of the victim.

Chief Inspector Benjamin Elenzano, head of the Homicide Investigation Section of the Quezon City Police District, said Allan, Salamilao and six co-workers were drinking liquor outside the suspect’s house in Barangay Balingasa at around 10 p.m. last Sunday.

Allan reportedly asked to borrow the bicycle of one of their drinking buddies Pomasin, allegedly to use it to buy shabu. Pomasin refused and this led to an argument.

Elenzano said Allan and Pomasin eventually patched things up. Allan’s brother Alberto arrived and allegedly started swinging his knife around.

He hit his drinking buddy Albert Gerelingo in the arm while Allan hit the same man with a spade in the head.

Elenzano said Salamilao was about to run for his life but the two suspects allegedly blocked his path and Alberto stabbed Salamilao.

The brothers allegedly threw the body of the victim into a nearby creek.

Responding policemen arrested Allan as the latter was running away from an angry mob, while his brother Alberto was able to elude arrest.

Elenzano said investigators are verifying reports that Alberto had been imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prison before the killing.

Allan had a different story and claimed he only tried to stop the drunken men from harassing his nephews inside their residence. He said the men were banging on the door of their house and claimed that when he confronted them, the men ganged up on him.

He also said his brother was sleeping inside the house and only came out to help him.