NBI agents arrest Dolphy’s grandson over Tondo man slay

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have arrested the grandson of comedy king Dolphy (Rodolfo V. Quizon in real life) for his alleged involvement in mauling to death of a young Tondo man last December. Edward Villarta, NBI Deputy Director for Intelligence Services (DDIS), said Friday that Rowell Quizon, 24, son of Freddie Quizon, and resident of Coral and Juan Luna streets, Tondo, was arrested last Thursday. He said NBI operatives served the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ruben Reynaldo G. Roxas of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 on Quizon. The NBI said the brawl involving Quizon and victim Jeffrey F. Vergara erupted during the latter’s birthday party at 654 Pilapil St. last December 4. Witnesses said Quizon beat up Vergara and then hit the victim with a beer bottle. Vergara fell and was unconscious four hours. He died on December 5 at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Autopsy on Vergara’s remains revealed the victim died of severe head trauma due to several blows to the head. The case was investigated by the NBI-National Capital Region headed by Regional Director Ruel Lasala. After an initial investigation, the NBI recommended the filing of charges of murder against Quizon and two of his companions identified as a Marlon de la Cruz and a certain Philip. However, the charges have been downgraded to homicide due to a lack of evidence that the victim’s death was premeditated. According to Quizon, the incident at the birthday party was instigated by Vergara. He even claimed he and his friends were outnumbered by Vergara’s group. “It was just a fistfight," said Quizon. “I had nothing against Jeff and most of the time we got along. Pag nakainom lang siya minsan pinapag-tripan ako (When got drunk he always picked on me)," Quizon claimed. The NBI has received intelligence report that Quizon and de la Cruz were often seen hanging around on Coral Street. Quizon was arrested at a nearby sari-sari store. De la Cruz managed to elude the authorities and remains at large. Quizon is currently held at the NBI detention center. - GMANews.TV