A mass and prayer rally for Ilog Mayor Paul Alvarez, who is facing a complaint for the murder of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles before the Department of Justice, will be held at the Ilog public plaza covered court this morning.

Ilog Vice Mayor Nelson Genito and Association of Barangay Captains president Ron Cabral said in a letter to the media that their mayor is facing a crucial and difficult situation, the issues raised against him are “devastating and full of lies.”

Frank Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles, meanwhile, said he hopes the so-called “prayer mass " for Alvarez is going to be for his repentance rather than for a misrepresentation of truth.

“But I believe that it is going to be more of a political rally than anything else,” he added.

“It is extremely disgusting to observe that, in their wickedness, some people would not hesitate to invoke the name of God to cover a crime,” Britanico claimed.

Arles’ daughter, Ria, said “Our only interest is seeking truth and justice for out father. Whatever the outcome of the rally , it is our sincere hope that the public is able to discern right from wrong.”

Arles was assassinated while driving home in Ilog town on April 24.

Mayor Alvarez, an Ilog town employee and five members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade have been accused of the murder of the judge. The DOJ is expected to issue subpoenas next week for the accused to submit their answers to the complaint against them.

Genito and Cabral said this inhumane and false accusation against the mayor has shocked the people of Ilog, who cannot believe that he would do such a drastic thing.

They have known the Alvarez family for a long time and have been with them as they brought a big change to Ilog, Genito and Cabral said.

The murder charge against the mayor is a painful accusation for the entire Alvarez family that has motivated us speak out together with all the Sanggunain Bayan members and barangay captains, they added.

‘MEDIA RECRUITED’

Meanwhile, Ria Arles in a text message said “We have just received information that the Alvarezes are currently gathering selected members of the media to disseminate propaganda against our family. We are sincerely appealing to the press not to condone lies and deception.

“The crime committed against our father has caused us too much grief. Rest assured that we shall remain steadfast in our quest for justice”, she said.*CPG

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