CCTV video leads to arrest of 7 in drinking spree slay

MANILA, Philippines - Footage taken by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera led to the arrest of seven men who allegedly killed a neighbor in Pasay City at dawn yesterday for refusing to have a drink with them.

Senior Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton, chief of the Pasay City police, identified the suspects as Butch Ordona, 43; Joel Lacuna, 39; Dante Simeon, 40; Melvin Deamzon, 27; Dennis Fastidio, 38; Richie Sengil, 28; and a minor identified only as Jun, all cousins and residents of M. Acosta street in Barangay 77.

Cuaton said the suspects were recorded beating and stabbing Nicomedes Ramos, 40. He died on the spot.

In a report to Cuaton, Senior Police Officer 1 Cris Gabutin, said another suspect – identified as Cesar Cuevas, also known as Tabo – managed to escape.

Police said at around 2 a.m., Ramos passed by the suspects having a drinking spree. Witnesses told police that Ramos’ friends were also drinking nearby, and he accepted their invitation to have a drink with them.

As he left his friends, the suspects reportedly ran after him and started attacking him. One of the suspects hit Ramos on the head with a stone, while Cuevas stabbed him then fled, according to witnesses.

Police officers arrested the suspects but were forced to release them due to lack of evidence. The suspects were re-arrested when police obtained the video.

The suspects, who denied the allegation, are currently detained at the Pasay police station while charges are being readied against them.