Ex-soldier, 3 others cleared in Ella killing face illegal discharge raps

MANILA, Philippines — While the former soldier and his three companions were cleared for the death of seven-year old Stephanie Nicole Ella, the Caloocan City Police on Friday will file a criminal case against them for illegal discharge of firearm.

Deputy Chief for Operations Jack Candelario, in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990AM, said Juan Agos, now a barangay (village) official, Arcadio Gulmatico, 40, Feliciano Cercano, 43 and Eddie Magtuba, 42 will be facing a case for illegal discharge of firearms.

Candelario said the four surrendered and admitted that they took turns firing the gun owned by Agos in a downward direction. Last night, the four have been subjected to a paraffin test.

“Ayon sa salaysay ni Agos at nung tatlo, yung baril ni Agos ang ginamit nila, pinagpasa pasahan nila. Pero sinabi nila na pinutok nila ito ng downward,” Candelario said.

They were cleared after ballistic examination showed that the slug recovered from the victim did not match that of the firearm of Agos. Tetch Torres