THREE businessmen and a student of the De La Salle University (DLSU) were charged by the police for allegedly stabbing and killing a US Marine officer in an exclusive subdivision in Makati City over the weekend.

Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr. of the Makati City Police led the filing of the complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor on Sunday, against Crispin dela Paz Jr., 28; Juan Alfonso, 24; Osric Malabanan, 27, all Makati-based businessmen; and DLSU student Galicano Datu 3rd.

“Based on the information and evidence gathered by our investigators, we deemed it necessary to file murder charges against them,” Lukban said in an interview.

The suspects had been in police custody since the stabbing of American George Anikow, 41, husband of a US embassy employee.

Based on initial police investigations, Anikow, a resident of Bel-Air Rockwell subdivision, was being checked by security guards at the gate when the four suspects arrived aboard a black Volvo sports utility vehicle (SUV) at about 4:20 a.m.

While another security guard was doing routine check on the vehicle, Anikow reportedly intervened and told the Volvo occupants that they have to present identification cards.

The suspects ignored Anikow and drove inside the village. Just as the vehicle sped away, the American thumped the vehicle with his hand in frustration.

As the victim was walking toward his house, the four men ganged up on him and stabbed him twice in the back and chest. Anikow died hours later at the Makati Medical Center.

The four suspects tried to flee but operatives of the Makati City Police immediately responded and arrested them.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Manila condemned the attack.

“The embassy condemns the violent attack that led to the death of a member of the US Mission to the Philippines on November 24 in Makati. We mourn the loss of a beloved member of our embassy family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the embassy said in a statement.

“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.”

WITH A REPORT FROM BERNICE CAMILLE V. BAUZON