4 minors surrender to Lim in slay of 16-year-old

MANILA, Philippines - Accompanied by their parents and relatives, four minors surrendered to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in connection with their involvement in the killing of a 16-year-old volunteer staff of a Manila councilor.

The youths, aged 16 and 17 years old, and members of the “Undaunted Hound” street gang, were allegedly responsible for the killing of John Paul Jose, 16, a volunteer staff of Councilor Abel Viceo in Tondo, Manila Sunday night. Jose’s companion, Kevin Acosta, 16, was hit with a blunt object in the head by one of the suspects during the rumble. The two victims are members of the “Ghettos Crime” street gang.

Investigation showed that the two victims with their teenaged companions attended a birthday party of one of their female friends Sunday night. After the party, the group was walking home along Solis street when they were surrounded by at least 15 youths armed with bladed weapons. One of the attackers immediately hit Acosta with a blunt object in the head as Jose and his companions scampered in different directions.

Acosta was able to seek refuge at a nearby barangay hall. He told police he saw how the attackers ganged up on Jose and took turns stabbing him. He told police he could recognize the attackers if seen again.

According to Jose Abad Santos police station chief Superintendent Remigio Sedanto, the minors surrendered after they got wind that they are being hunted down by the police.

The parents refused to leave their sons at the holding cell of the homicide section of the Manila Police District until Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo assured the safety of the suspects.     – Nestor Etolle