Raps filed vs STAR correspondent’s killer

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Police filed murder charges yesterday against Adam Johnson Abanes, who admitted stabbing to death STAR correspondent Celso Amo, at a basketball court in Daraga, Albay on Sunday morning.

Messages of sympathy also poured for Amo, who was described as a “good friend” and a “veteran and respected journalist.”

Superintendent Benito Dipad Jr., Daraga police chief, said the charges were filed before the Albay provincial prosecutor’s office.

“We decided to file murder charges due to the elements present when the crime was committed,” Dipad told The STAR.

Quoting witnesses, Dipad said Abano chased Amo when the victim tried to escape when he was attacked. Amo suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to a hospital where he died.

“The suspect was resolved to kill Amo,” Dipad said.

 “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Celso Amo, a veteran journalist and a Philippine Star reporter. He was a good friend,” Albay second district Rep. Joey Salceda said in a post on Facebook.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said Amo was a “good man” and a “respected journalist.”

Amo was former editor of Legazpi City’s official publication City Hall Windows.

“Celso was a very patient and accommodating person. He keenly listened to my suggestions,” Rosal told The STAR.

Jun Alegre, Zagitsit-FM station manager, paid tribute to Amo during his radio program yesterday.

Aside from being a journalist and a registered nurse, Amo was a Focus Philippines poetry awardee and a UP Writers Workshop fellow in 1982.

His remains lie at the St. Peter Funeral Homes in this city.