Murder raps filed vs four suspects

CEBU, Philippines – A criminal complaint for murder was filed yesterday before the City Prosecutors Office against four suspects in the killing of an American man, Philip Prins, outside the ZanZibar restaurant-lounge in Dumaguete City last December 26.

The charges were filed by case investigator, Inspector Blas Alpeche, against Michael Lim alias Boyet, a bouncer of ZanZibar, who was caught on close circuit television camera of smashing an empty bottle of beer in the head of Prins.

The three others charged were Glyn Herungay Eltagunde, Jinky "Nano" Duran and one John Doe.

Present during the filing of the criminal complaint was the victim’s private lawyer Alexander Acain who arrived from Manila to make sure they will have an airtight case.

Among the evidences submitted to the prosecutor were the extrajudicial confession of Eltagunde, the cook of ZanZibar, who was also caught on CCTV camera as one of those who mauled the victim; and affidavits executed by media personalities to whom he confessed the crime.

Duran, a waiter of the resto-bar, also admitted in his affidavit that he was also among those who kicked the victim while lying helplessly on the ground.

However, the fourth suspect remained unnamed and at large. He was believed to be one of the customers in the establishment.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on January 27, before Assistant City Prosecutor Alvin Aseniero at the Hall of Justice building in Barangay Piapi. At least three witnesses were summoned to appear during the hearing: ZanZibar manager  Amir Hossein Baghari Lankarani, and cashier Mary Grace dela Cruz Sacro. — Juancho R. Gallarde (FREEMAN)