2 charged with homicide for ‘killing’ drinking buddy

The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has indicted two men before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly helping each other in killing their drinking buddy.

Prosecutor II Ma. Liza. Miscala-Jorda has found probable cause to file a homicide case against Ed Escoto, 37, of Sitio Riverside, Barangay Lusaran, and Lucrecio Ybañez, 55, of Sitio Upper Kantisang, Barangay Paril.

In an inquest proceeding, both accused chose not to undergo further investigation to answer the allegations filed against them.

Jorda recommended P120,000 bail each for Escoto and Ybañez' temporary liberty.

In her sworn statement, Basilisa Oliverio, 67, of Sitio Proper, Barangay Pasil alleged that while she was at their house at around 10 p.m. on August 16, 2018, she was informed by their neighbors that her son, Pedro Oliverio, died with several gunshot wounds to the head.

Later, she learned that the two accused were arrested by the members of the Talamban Police Station.

Estanislao Jopia, 47, of Sitio Upper Kantisang, alleged that while she was at their lawn about few meters away from the house of the victim, she saw the latter and the accused and other neighbors having a drinking spree.

Later, she heard a commotion and saw Pedro pulled out a gun from his waist and pointed it to Ybañez.

Ybañez and Escoto reportedly helped each other and overpowered the victim in the possession of the firearm. She later heard several bursts of gunfire.

She added she allegedly saw Pedro slumped on the ground while Ybañez and Escoto walked away.—

Manto/GAN

Mylen P.