Pempengco slay suspect charged

LAGUNA ,Philippines  – The self-confessed killer of the father of international singing sensation Charice was charged with murder before the provincial prosecutor’s office in San Pedro town yesterday morning.

The suspect, 35-year-old construction worker Angel Capili Jr., who hails from Gen. Trias, Cavite, was brought to the Hall of Justice for inquest proceeding before provincial prosecutor George Dee.

Superintendent John Kirby Kraft, San Pedro town police chief, said the prosecutor’s office will decide whether the case against Capili will be downgraded to homicide.

In a text message, Dee said they will conduct a regular preliminary investigation but Capili will remain detained at the San Pedro municipal jail.

Although Capili admitted killing Charice’s father Ricky Pempengco last Oct. 31 in Barangay Laram, San Pedro town, Dee said he invoked self-defense.

Dee said they will evaluate the statements of witnesses and other pieces of evidence before deciding if Capili is liable for murder or homicide.

Dee said they will issue a resolution on Nov. 14.

Kraft said Capili gave himself up to Gen. Trias Mayor Antonio Ferrer Thursday afternoon.

During the inquest, Capili admitted killing Pempengco, saying he is willing to face the consequences of his offense.

“He asked for forgiveness from the family of Charice and he is ready to face whatever punishment for his sin,” Kraft said.

Kraft quoted Capili as alleging that Pempengco punched him in the face but that he did not retaliate and ran away and reported the incident to the barangay.

Capili added that he later returned to the place where he met Pempengco buying cigarettes from a store along A. Bonifacio Street and stabbed him with an ice pick in the chest and back.

Capili said he always carried his ice pick for protection when he is in San Pedro.

Capili said he lost the ice pick while he was running away from the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Laguna Gov. Jeorge Ejercito Estregan handed over the P200,000 reward in the Pempengco slay case to barangay chairman Rolando Pagkaliwangan when Capili was brought to Camp Crame Thursday.