Vice guv linked
to Arles killing

Just on the eve of the Manila meeting of six Negrense solons to purportedly map out plans for the selection by the United Negros Coalition of its gubernatorial bet for the 2013 polls, for the first time, Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez has been directly linked to the plot to do away with Kabankalan RTC Judge Henry Arles.

For the first time, Vice Governor Lim-ao Alvarez and Vice Mayor Tabujara were mentioned as among the seven involved in the assassination last April 24 of Arles, a well-respected and bemedalled judge of Kabankalan City, and one of the leading judges of the Philippines.

Arles was killed while traveling in his car in a barangay of Ilog town.

The latest whistle blower was named as Honeybee. She was presented at a press conference by lawyer Frank Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles. But her statement was embargoed until her affidavit could be filed with the Justice Department and Honeybee was placed in a secure place.

As reported during the press conference, Honeybee claimed that she was instructed by Rustom Puro, ranking member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade to pick up the P500,000 final payment and Marvin Salve, RPA-ABB vice commander, had been contracted by the vice governor, Mayor John Paul Alvarez, and Vice Mayor Tabujara to assassinate Arles.

Both Vice Gov. Alvarez and Vice Mayor Tabujara denied any part in the murder of the slain judge. Alvarez dubbed Honeybee’s claim a diversionary tactic. The three RPA-ABB members in NBI custody recanted their admission, reports also said.

Alvarez also claimed politics is behind the effort to link him personally to the Arles killing, together with his son, Mayor Alvarez of Ilog.

Be that as it may, the latest development in the Arles murder may have its impact on the choice of who will be the UNA gubernatorial bet. While no charges have been filed yet against the named conspirators, there is still the strong possibility that soon, the NBI may be able to convince the DOJ to undertake a preliminary investigation into the charges and, perhaps, file the case before the Sandiganbayan.

Anyway, let us just wait for further developments, both in the jostling for the UNA nomination and in the Arles murder case. The latter, whether we like it or will have a bearing on the 2013 polls.

***

The abduction and subsequent release in Miagao of the teen-aged son of a Bacolod businessman at 21st Street last Wednesday only confirms the absence of roving Bacolod policemen in the City.

The 18-year-old was reportedly crossing the street near Café Bob’s when four armed men suddenly grabbed him and forced him into a compartment of their car.

He claimed to have lost consciousness, woke up later inside the vehicle’s compartment and he was told to run as fast as he could because the four were to chase him, the reports said.

Later, he discovered that he was in Miagao, Iloilo, when he saw the PNB logo.

While I do not doubt his story, still there is reason to dig into the veracity of the details of the story if only to warn other local students that they can be abducted right in the heart of Bacolod by armed men.

This is something which Chief Ricardo de la Paz should be able to solve, if only to avoid spooking local student on the possibility that they could be the next abduction victim.

***

The envious and erstwhile political foes must have been quaking in their shoes with the popular public appreciation of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Although initially shouldered aside by President Benigno Aquino III, Robredo simply went ahead and performed the task he had been assigned. Of course, that was despite the refusal by the Commission on Appointments to confirm his appointment.

But confirmation of his secretaryship was affirmed by the people throughout the archipelago. To them, to many others, including those abroad, Robredo was the symbol of a dedicated public servant.

God bless you, Jesse. And we thank the Lord for having given the country a person like you. Even if only for the short time that you showed us the love of God for all of us.*

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