The investigation into the killing of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles took a new twist, with the two suspected “look-outs” now viewed as the possible “executioners,” Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director, yesterday said.

This was after a new witness told the police that there were three persons on board a tricycle, that had almost collided with the vehicle of Arles, and who suddenly made a sudden right turn, when they fled from the crime scene, Guisihan said.

Arles, 62, succumbed to three gunshot wounds from a .45 caliber pistol used by the gunman on the tricycle, in Brgy. Manalad, Ilog, on April 24. He had served as Kabankalan RTC judge for13 years.

Guisihan raised the possibility that one of the two passengers of the fleeing tricycle was the gunman.

Investigation by the Task Force Arles showed that the two possible “look-outs”, a man and a woman, were seen at the vicinity of the Kabankalan RTC, before the shooting.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Western Visayas police director, accompanied by Guisihan, visited the wake of Arles Saturday at the Rolling Hills Chapel in Bacolod City.

Guisihan said Querol assured the family of Arles that they are doing their best to immediately solve the incident.

He said Querol shared the sentiments of Rudy Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles, that the killing of the Negros judge may demoralize the judiciary, if it is not resolved immediately.

Twenty-three judges have been killed in various parts of the country since 1999, records of the Supreme Court showed.

Querol said the intelligence unit of the Police Regional Office 6 is also extending help to the task force, aside from similar efforts being initiated by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Guisihan said the killing of Arles was more likely job-related.

Maria Estelita “Ria” Arles, daughter of the victim, said they are satisfied with the progress of the police investigations in the killing of their father, that she described as “well-organized”.

The task force has two teams of police probers, who are now running after the suspects, and scrutinizing court records as well as controversial cases resolved by Arles.

One of the spotters was described as 40 to 45 year old, male of medium build, about 5 feet and 6 inches tall with dark brown complexion, while his female companion was between 20 to 25 years old, of small build, with brown complexion.

Ted Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles, yesterday said they were happy with the progress of the police and National Bureau of Investigation probe, and are confident they will solve the case.

The funeral of Arles will be at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Bacolod City after a 9 a.m. Mass tomorrow.*GPB

back to top