The DOJ scores another conviction after the Oras Regional Trial Court in Eastern Samar found an accused in a crime of homicide against an 86-year-old man guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

In a 9-page decision, the Court sentenced Hermie Arago Villarin to suffer the indeterminate sentence of eight years of prision mayor, as minimum, to fourteen years and eight months, of reclusion temporal as maximum, and ordered him to pay the heirs of Crispin Morallos P50,000.00 as death indemnity and P50,000.00 as moral damages.

Records showed that Villarin assaulted the old man with a bolo and killed him after repeatedly delivering fatal blows to different parts of his body. The suspect claimed self-defense. Prosecutor Roldan Guido A. Capito, however, was able to establish that Villarin acted in retaliation as there was no aggression posed by the victim. Further weakening Villarin's plea of self-defense are the locations, number, and gravity of the wounds he inflicted upon the victim.

Justice Secretary Emmanuel L. Caparas praised the perseverance of Prosecutor Capito to ensure justice is served. "Prosecutor Roldan Capito made good to redress the injustice to the old, unprotected and helpless man," Secretary Caparas said. "Senior citizens deserve respect and honor as they serve as the guiding light to those who have only just begun their journey in life," the Secretary further added.