Guard in Briton slay faces trial

THE 42-year-old security guard who shot dead a British dive shop operator in Malapascua Island, northern Cebu on Black Saturday will be tried in court.

Melchor Alciso Jr. was charged with murder before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors’ Office yesterday where he was brought by police for an inquest proceeding.

No bail was recommended.

Alciso yesterday told reporters that he killed Anthony Raymond Gilchrist during an altercation past 7 p.m. last Saturday.

Consequences

“Napungot na ko og maayo kay sigehan man ko niya og kasaba, mao nga akong gipusil. (I got fed up because he kept scolding me. That’s why I shot him),” he said.

Alciso said he’s willing to face the consequences of his actions.

“Nagbasol ko sa akong gibuhat pero awahi na ang tanan. (I regret what I did but there’s nothing I can do about it anymore),” he said.

Alciso was told by Gilchrist not to report for work since the guard arrived 40 minutes late and smelled of liquor.

Alciso shot Gilchrist at least six times in the head and body with a .38 caliber revolver.

When presented before Asst. Provincial Prosecutor Rustom Presas, Alciso chose not to undergo preliminary investigation.

The case was elevated to the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Bogo City which has jurisdiction over crimes committed in Malapascua Island.

Temper

PO3 Alfredo Mandal of the Daanbantayan town police said Alciso told him that the British dive shop operator would often scold him.

The staff of the Fish Buddies dive shop co-owned by Gilchrist said the Briton had a short temper.

“Gilchrist was a stickler for punctuality and Alciso was frequently late,” Mandal said.

He said Alciso would also fall asleep after drinking with friends causing him to report late for work.

Gilchrist’s remains were brought to Rolling Hills Funeral Parlor in Mandaue City. England-based family members are expected to arrive this morning.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale yesterday said the shooting was an unusual occurence.

“It’s an unfortunate incident because Malapascua has always been very peaceful. It’s very unfortunate but these things can happen anywhere, at any tourism destination,” she told reporters.

“There was a suggestion to the committee, to change the policy requiring guards on resorts to carry nonfatal weapons. We have to consult a lot of people about this,” she added.

In a press statement yesterday, Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro said he has ordered a “full-blown investigation” on the shooting.

“I’m confident that this will not affect the tourism industry of the island,” he said.
Malapascua island is part of barangay Logon, Daanbantayan town.

The island hosts reefs known worldwide by divers for its rich marine biodiversity and the regular presence of Thresher Sharks.