Airport’s honest taxi driver arrested for Baguio murder

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Airport’s honest taxi driver arrested for Baguio murder
Honored by the airport authority for returning a passenger's laptop, taxi driver Alex Esquillon is a suspect in the killing of a Baguio resident 14 years ago

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio is known for, among other things, its honest taxi drivers – they give you your P1 change or even pardon the one peso you owe them.

There’s one honest taxi driver, though, who is not welcome here unless he is in jail. Alex Esquillon, who was given an award by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for returning the laptop that a passenger left in his cab months ago, is a suspect in the murder of a Baguio resident 14 years ago.

On Wednesday, April 8, Esquillon was arrested by members of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 6.

According to Supreme Court records, Baguio residents Marvin Suetos and his companion Jose Dasalla were walking along downtown Baguio on the night of February 10, 2001, when they met the group of Esquillon, Arturo Barlaan, and George Domingo. The group invited the two to a round of drinks at Ledsay Eatery along Otek Street, near Burnham Park.

The 5 men sang on the videoke until about 1 am the next day. When they were about to leave the bar, however, an argument ensued on who would pay for the P200 bill. Suetos was ordered to pay, but he said he could only contribute. Then Esquillon was asked to pay, but he got angry and brought out his balisong.

The two Baguio boys, Suetos and Dasalla, ran toward the Baguio Orchidarium and were chased by the 3. Suetos stumbled and was soon stabbed at the back by Esquillon. Barlaan aided Esquillon by holding down the legs of the fallen Suetos. Then Domingo turned Suetos around and he was stabbed in front.

Dasalla, who witnessed the incident, tried to rescue his friend, but he was narrowly nicked by Esquillon on the cheek. The 3 tried to chase Dasalla, but he ran all the way to the police station and reported the incident. They then learned that Suetos was rushed to the hospital, but he died due to multiple stab wounds.

Barlaan was caught, but Esquillon and Domingo were able to flee. In March 2002, Barlaan was convicted of murder by the lower court, but he filed an appeal, alleging “that the existence of conspiracy was not proven beyond reasonable doubt and that the trial court erred in convicting him of the crime of murder.”  

The Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. On August 31, 2007, the Supreme Court also upheld the CA decision.

According to a report by the PNP-Avsegroup director, Chief Supt. Francisco Balagtas, an informant who knew of the case told them about it through a Facebook message, saying Esquillon was working as a taxi driver connected with NAIA.

Nick Caberoy, manager of Assi Transport Services where Esquillon works, reportedly said that Esquillon applied for a driver’s job with them only last year, and he was able to produce the required documents, including National Bureau of Investigation and police clearances. – Rappler.com 

Image of taxis from Wikimedia

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