Did NBI extend
them protection?

I think all speculations about the three suspects in the RTC Judge Henry Arles killing had actually been extended protective custody by the National Bureau of Investigation.

That, despite the claims by some of their relatives that the trio had been abducted and tortured by the NBI. That’s the version they had given the Commission on Human Rights.

Consider the fact that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had previously devoted herself to human rights violations and taken up the cudgels for the victims.

So, the best thing to do is for De Lima to crack down on NBI Bacolod if they had actually done what their accusers had claimed.

Besides, as earlier explained by NBI head Ferdinand Lavin, the three had earlier been arrested for illegal possession of firearms. But the three, however, immediately asked for protective custody. This was the reason why they were flown down to Manila for safe-keeping, was his explanation.

Besides, the three reportedly have their defense lawyer. Then, how come that the lawyer had not spoken for them?

There was a question raised by a radio commentator that the trio first should have been turned over to the local police. A good question. The problem, however is, when they themselves had asked to be given protection, should the NBI risk their lives by turning them over to the local police?

Chances are that one of them must have spilled the beans on whether they had really participated in the extra-judicial execution of Judge Arles.

And they must have reason for their apprehension over what could happen to them were they to stay longer in Negros Occidental. Which means that somebody really big or influential may be behind them.

In short, the three must have known his reach and power. And they were no longer sure that the local NBI would be able to give them the protection they need.

Well, that’s just how to read the entire scenario. Let’s give Lavin the chance to finish with the Arles killings. He seems very confident that he may have the evidence that could lead to the unraveling of that mysterious slaying of the RTC Kabankalan Judge.

****

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. may still kick off his reelection campaign with the P7-billion 200-hectare North Point project as a feather in the cap.

The Ayala Land Inc. project was officially launched recently with key officials of the subdivision firm in Talisay City.

That’s something which Bacolodnons and Talisaynons had looked forward to for some time.

Gov. Marañon was all praises for Ayala Land for having embarked on an unheard of project that will “surely change the landscape of the province into one of a progressive and dynamic destination in the Philippines.”

Senior Ayala Land vice president Emilio Tumbocon and vice president and Commercial Business Group head Rowena Tomelden were with Marañon, Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan, and Vice Mayor Niel Lizares as guest of honor at the official launching of the ambitious project.

The 200-hectare North Point Development projects complements the various residential communities as Ayala North Point, Plantazzione, and Asiana Verdana Home as well as Avida and Amaia residential villages in North Point.

The latter is Ayala Land’s master-planned, mixed-used development representing Ayala’s largest investment in Western Visayas.

So what does that mean? Talisay City may still end up as Bacolod’s rival as the primary city destination to Bacolod.

Now, with just the development projects of Ayala, Talisay has already changed, irretrievably as the residential suburb of Bacolod. Not for long will it be that. The development program is definitely changing the landscape of Talisay as a rival city of Bacolod.

A salute to Gov. Marañon, Talisay City Mayor Saratan, and Ayala Land officials for having conceptualized such gargantuan project.

We can look forward to a more dynamic growth of the province and Talisay with the infusion of so much cash by Ayala Land, Inc.

***

I agree with Rep. Albee Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) that it is unwise to have two ports in Bacolod. It will not add up to its becoming the center of business in the province.

Instead, it will only present the spectacle of two ports competing for the few ships that call in Bacolod monthly.

Like, for example, so much money had already been spent on the Himamaylan Port, for the Roro Port. But instead of additional funding to the P108.8-million already spent on the project, we are now plowing money into another multi-million project such as Banago when there is already the BREDCO port.

I hope that Rep. Alejandro Mirasol of the 5th District will not hesitate to plead for the completion of the Himamaylan Port, which has now been converted into a sprawling solar drying facility for agricultural produce. And the port instead has become virtually unusable by barges of either the BISCOM or Sonedco and the slipway is just being used by motorized fishing bancas.

Yet, it is a project, which is completed, could boost the commerce between Negros, and to sell their products here. Similarly, Negrense products can start eyeing a new market for their local produce in Panay provinces.

So, gentlemen, why not give it the added push to finish the project before it is left there as a while elephant? Are they afraid that the Fifth District will be benefitted by the infusion of additional funds for a worthy project?*

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