Police have filed a murder charge against a 33-year-old businessman who hacked to death a former journalist-turned-barangay tanod in Rodriguez, Rizal on July 23.
Lt. Col. Paul Sabulao, chief of the Rodriguez Police, confirmed that the suspect, Victor Enavia, was formally charged on Thursday following his swift arrest.
The victim – former journalist Norberto “Bert” Javier, 68, a barangay tanod of Sitio Wawa in Barangay San Rafael at the time of his death – sustained at least six hack wounds in the neck, inflicted by a bolo.
Investigators discovered a video of the gruesome killing on a mobile phone reportedly owned by the suspect’s live-in partner.
The bolo was later recovered at the crime scene.
A witness promptly reported the incident to authorities, leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest.
Enavia claimed he attacked the victim for allegedly badmouthing his relative and harassing his daughter.
However, Sabulao cast doubt on the motive, pointing out that the video showed Javier appearing motionless and apparently asleep due to intoxication while the suspect adjusted the phone’s angle before launching the attack.
The police also dismissed earlier reports suggesting that the suspect and victim were drinking buddies.
Barangay San Rafael Chairwoman Judith Cruz issued a public plea on social media, urging netizens not to share the graphic video out of respect for the victim’s grieving family and friends.
She called on appropriate agencies to intervene and assist in removing the footage online, citing concerns raised by parents over its potential psychological impact on minors.
Police said the suspect denied uploading the video, which had circulated from the mobile device of his live-in partner.
On July 24, Chairwoman Cruz and a colleague from the barangay office visited Javier’s wake at a funeral home in Barangay Burgos to console his loved ones.
His remains are scheduled for cremation and will be brought to his parents’ residence in Laguna.
Maricor Pablo, a co-worker in the barangay, described Javier—fondly called “Tatay Bert”—as a kindhearted colleague beloved by fellow tanods.
Sabulao noted that Javier’s child had been informed of his death and received the victim’s remains. (Nel Andrade)
