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US Embassy denounces fatal stabbing of spouse of American diplomat


The United States Embassy on Monday denounced the killing of the spouse of an American diplomat in Makati City over the weekend and called for an early resolution of the case.
 
In a statement, the embassy said it “condemns the violent attack that led to the death of a member of the U.S. Mission to the Philippines on November 24 in Makati.”
 
It said the victim “was the beloved spouse of a U.S. Embassy staff member and a father of three.”
 
In a post on its Facebook page, the embassy uploaded an image of the American flag with a message extending condolences to the victim's family.
 
"We mourn the loss of a beloved member of our Embassy Family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family," it said
 
Several netizens posted their sympathies on the Facebook post. More than 40 had done so as of noon Monday.
 
While the Embassy did not name the victim, the Makati City police identified him as George Anikow. 
 
Meanwhile, Makati City police head Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban Jr. said the US Embassy appeared to be satisfied so far with the way police are handling the case.
 
"Continuous nila mino-monitor ang insidente, nakita nila very fair ang investigation," Lukban said in an interview on dzBB radio.
 
"Wala silang naging negative comment," he added.
 
“We appreciate the close cooperation of the Philippine authorities in a careful and speedy investigation and prosecution of this crime, so that the perpetrators may be brought to justice,” the embassy said in its statement.
 
On Sunday, the Makati City police charged four men for the fatal stabbing of Anikow following an altercation outside the gate of Bel-Air Village in Makati City early Saturday.
 
Lukban identified the four suspects as Juan Abastillas, Crispin dela Paz, Osric Cabrera, and Galicano Datu III.
 
Witness accounts said the victim allegedly tapped the suspects’ sport-utility vehicle, prompting the four to come out of the car and confront him.
 
Malacañang on Sunday said it hoped the incident would not lead to a travel advisory against the Philippines.
 
As of 11 a.m. Monday, the US State Department has not issued such a warning against the Philippines.
 
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs called the incident an “isolated case," saying there is no reason for foreign diplomats in the country to feel unsafe.
 
“The information that we got was the one who was killed was the husband of a diplomat. It’s a very sad incident but we think it is an isolated incident and it is not focused or targeted towards the status and function of certain people,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters. –With a report from Michaela del Callar/Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News
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