By Jennifer P. Rendon
Manhunt operations are still going on against a 25-year old man who allegedly killed a construction worker late evening of July 24, 2020 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
Police Major Raymond Celoso, Sta. Barbara police chief, said they received no surrender feelers from 25-year-old Mark Abella days after he allegedly committed the crime.
Abellar was named suspect in the killing of Erick Marbebe, 35, a resident of Barangay Trangka, Maasin, Iloilo.
Reports said a commotion happened before Marbebe was gunned down 10:45 p.m. Friday at Deca Homes in Barangay Balabag.
Two hours before the incident, the victim was seen drinking in a store inside the subdivision along with a friend.
Celoso said no one saw the actual shooting episode but circumstantial evidences pointed to Abellar as the suspect.
Police investigation showed that Abellar and two other friends were also drinking on the opposite side of the road where Marbebe and his friend were located.
The suspect was staying at his sibling’s house.
“His sibling owns the store and a minor-niece was employed to look after it,” Celoso said.
Abellar allegedly told his niece to go inside the house, as the victim became unruly.
“Hambal nila, kun makainom ni ang suspect, medyo maoy. Daw nagalain iya batasan,” Celoso explained.
Marbebe was apparently slighted by what the suspect did.
At that time, Marbebe’s friend excused himself, claiming he would buy barbecue at the next block.
A fistfight occurred before the shooting episode.
“Apparently, the victim pulled a gun and a grappling ensued,” Celoso said.
Abellar overpowered Marbebe until the gun went off.
Marbebe’s friend said he did not return to their drinking place and scampered away after he heard gunfire.
The victim was subsequently seen with a gunshot wound on his temple.
Celoso said someone took a photograph with the victim still holding the gun.
Marbebe’s brother, who also worked as a construction worker in the area, reportedly took the gun but later returned it to the scene.
“When investigators arrived, the gun was already near the victim’s head,” Celoso said.
Marbebe was declared dead in a hospital.
