Man who failed to defend self convicted

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court has convicted a man who attempted to kill the caretaker of a billiard hall in Labangon, Cebu City.

The court convicted Wilfredo Paredes after Paredes failed to present evidence for his defense.

“Emphasis, moreover, is given on the fact that no evidence was presented by the accused for his defense, as the latter absconded and was deemed to have waived his right to present evidence,” the court said.

RTC Judge Sylva Paderanga sentenced Paredes to six years to 12 years imprisonment and ordered him to pay complainant Hilario Subing-subing P10,000 as actual damages.

She also issued an alias warrant of arrest against Paredes who had left secretly. Paredes had pleaded not guilty to the crime during his arraignment on July 14, 2008.

Based on evidence presented by the prosecution, Subing-subing said he was watching television at the billiard hall past 1 a.m. on June 4, 2008 when he heard one Rolando Bacalla telling him to watch out because someone who appeared like a “ninja” – the man’s face was covered with a white shirt – had entered the hall.

Suddenly, the man reportedly appeared from behind the victim and sliced his neck across with a knife.

“The said person suddenly held his head and slashed his neck with the use of a bladed weapon. Thereafter, with his neck oozing with blood, he was again stabbed several times by the said person hitting him on his chest, left forearm, left armpit and right wrist,” the facts of the case reads.

Despite his wounds, Subing-subing still managed to fight back and remove the shirt that covered the suspect’s face. This was reportedly how he identified Paredes. 

Subing-subing said he spent P10,000 for his medical expenses.

In her ruling, Paderanga said Subing-subing’s testimony deserved full faith and credit in the absence of evidence from the part of the defense. — (FREEMAN)