Brothers claim innocence in sacristan’s death

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz– Two brothers denied any link to the death of a sacristan five months ago.

Police Staff Sergeant Bryan Zen Bacay, Panay PNP investigator, said Hargie Azares, 32, and Jerry Azares, 28, were surprised when warrants of arrest for the crime of homicide were served against them Thursday morning last week.

The warrants were issued by Judge Ignacio Alajar of the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Roxas City on June 14, 2022.

Hargie was arrested at his rice field in Brgy. Anhawon, while Jerry was collared at the house of a relative in Calapawan also in Panay town.

The two told the police that they will face the charges but refused to further comment on the case.

The court recommended a P120,000 bail to each brother for their temporary liberty.

A murder case was filed before the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for the death of Joey Dumangon who was allegedly beaten by the Azares brothers.

But the prosecutor downgraded the case to homicide.

Earlier, the mother of the suspects denied that they beat the church sacristan to death.

Haide Azares labeled as lies the claims of the friends of Dumangon who was found dead in a river at Barangay Anhawon, Panay, Capiz last Jan 24.

Azares said she treated Dumangon and his friend Arnel Distor like her children.

Azares said the two went to their house on Jan. 23 and she offered them food. After eating, Joey and his friend left but they returned later in the afternoon.

She said Joey got mad after learning that the viand found inside the pot were “tasteless”, but she ignored their complaint.

The victim and his friends then proceeded to the back of their house and took some fallen mango leaves.

Few minutes later, members of the Azares family sought help as Dumangon was frothing in the mouth.

They then placed the victim on a bamboo bed so he could rest but he suddenly stood up, went unruly and hit Distor’s father.

The younger Distor thought that Jerry Azares punched his father which led to a rumble.

Dumangon was found dead the following day.