Man arrested in model’s murder slain

MANILA, Philippines - A man, arrested last year in connection with the killing of model and television talent Julie Ann Rodelas, was gunned down as he was having breakfast with his family in Quezon City yesterday morning.

Gelan Pasawilan, 28, died of a gunshot wound in the chest in the attack in his house on Cotabato street at the Salaam Mosque Compound in Barangay Culiat, said Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano.

Pasawilan was arrested in November when police raided the Salaam Compound to arrest those responsible for Rodelas’ rape and murder.

Pasawilan was arrested following a shootout. He was in the company of the other suspects and was arrested during the operation for carrying loose firearms.

He was charged with illegal gun possession but not with Rodelas’ murder. He posted bail in January.

A neighbor, Nasher Alamansa, reportedly barged into Pasawilan’s house at around 5:30 a.m. yesterday and shot the victim, Police Officer 2 Marlon dela Vega said.

Alamansa walked out of the house after Pasawilan fell, bringing the gun with him, Dela Vega added.

The investigator said Pasawilan’s family was silent on possible motives for Pasawilan’s killing. The victim’s widow, Samirah, did not let crime scene investigators into their house. She also executed a waiver, saying she did not want the case investigated.