JUNE 26, 1948: ACTRESS LILIAN VELEZ MURDERED

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Movie Confidenial / February 1956

Lilian Velez (March 3, 1924- June 26, 1948), a popular movie star in the 40s, first came into the limelight when she won an amateur radio singing contest in the mid 30s. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, her singing career thrived, and she popularized one of her father's songs, Sa Kabukiran. Velez also won the heart of Jose 'Joe' Climaco, the radio station manager which had sponsored the contest. They were soon married in 1942 and had one daughter, Vivian.

Ilang-Ilang/ December 1, 1946

After the war, Velez resumed her acting career. She joined LVN Pictures, and with her husband as director, starred in such films as G.I. Fever, Binibiro Lamang Kita, Ang Estudyante, and Sa Kabukiran, inspired by the song that had earlier earned her fame. Her leading man in some of these films was Bernardo “Narding” Anzures, a former child actor, and son of actor Miguel Anzures and actress Rosa Aguirre.

Sa Kabukiran (1947)- Stars Lilian Velez, Narding Anzures, Fred Santos, Tolindoy/ Directed by Joe Climaco

After the success of Sa Kabukiran, LVN Pictures decided to cast Jaime de la Rosa as Velez's leading man in her next film. The decision caused distress on the part of Anzures, who had seemingly become obsessed with the married Velez.

On the night of June 26, 1948, Anzures paid an unexpected visit to the Quezon City home of Velez. Upon his arrival, he stabbed Velez to death and a housemaid who had come to her mistress's assistance. The crime was committed within view of Velez's toddler-daughter, who was unharmed during the incident. Anzures was promptly arrested, tried and convicted for the murders. During his stay in Muntinglupa, Narding contracted tuberculosis and was later pardoned by then President Elpidio Quirino. About two months after his release, he died; his exact motives for the murder were never fully determined.

In 1995, the murder of Lilian Velez was the subject of a controversial film directed by Carlo J. Caparas. Topbilled by Sharon Cuneta as Velez and Cesar Montano as Anzures, the film was one of the series of true-to-life, crime and massacre films produced and directed by Caparas in the early 90s.