Witness links vice guv,
town VM to Arles slay
BUT 2 OFFICIALS
VEHEMENTLY DENY CLAIM
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara have been implicated in the murder of Kabankalan Judge Henry Arles, in an affidavit filed by a new witness before the Department of Justice yesterday morning.

A copy of the affidavit was furnished the DAILY STAR by lawyer Frank Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles. He, however, said that until the 35-year-old daycare worker is enrolled in the witness protection program, they will hide her identity under the codename “Honeybee”.

Honeybee also held a press conference Tuesday in Bacolod City but her statements were embargoed until her affidavit could be filed with the DOJ and she could be brought to a secure place.

An award will be conferred by Bishop Vicente Navarra on the late Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles, recognizing his contribution to the promotion of genuine peace based on justice, and on three other Catholic lawyers in the Diocese of Bacolod.

Arles, and former Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, the late Juan Hagad, will be posthumously conferred the St. Thomas More Award on August 29, during in a mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Also to receive the same award are lawyers Mitchelle Abella and Henrietta Vinco.

Former Senator Ernesto Maceda, Nationalist People’s Coalition president emeritus, yesterday said if there is anyone who can resolve the problem of who should run for governor of Negros Occidental in 2013, it is Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.

Maceda, who is in Negros Occidental, paid a courtesy call on Governor Alfredo Marañon at his office in Bacolod, yesterday.

Marañon Jr. has announced that he is seeking reelection, while Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. said he is the choice of the Nationalist People’s Coalition for the post.