By Francis Wakefield
The Philippine Navy (PN) clarified that the 4th year college student who is a suspect in the killing of his fellow college student is no longer associated with the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) contrary to reports.
LCdr Joseph T. Bernaldez, Officer in Charge of the Naval Reserve Public Affairs Office, said based on initial information gathered, a certain Elmer Decilao, 22, a 4th year college student of Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) and initially identified as an ROTC commander, allegedly killed his freshman roommate, a certain Willy Amihoy, 23.
The incident happened early afternoon of March 11, 2019 inside the ISCOF dormitory in Dumangas campus.
"While the Philippine Navy (PN) condemns what transpired and condoles with the family of the victim, we aim to set the record straight that the alleged perpetrator, during the commission of the crime, is no longer involved in any ROTC activities /program of the school being a graduating student," Bernaldez said.
"Moreover, while the perpetrator was a former Corps Commander of ROTC, he is no longer associated with the ROTC program," he added.
Bernaldez said the Philippine Navy strongly believes that the ROTC program aims to inculcate love of country and good citizenship among young people.
"The program plays a vital role in sustaining the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Reserve Force as a critical part in keeping peace and development in the country," he said.
Chief Insp. Jogen Suegay, chief of Dumangas Municipal Police Station, said Decilao allegedly bashed the head of Amihoy due to a personal grudge.
A security guard found the bloodied body of Amihoy, who hails from Tayasan, Negros Oriental, in the toilet of the dormitory.
It was found that the victim sustained several blows to the head using a metal pipe.
Police said the two had earlier gotten into a heated argument over Amihoy’s lost wallet.
The victim accused Decilao of stealing his wallet.