The National Bureau of Investigation is seriously looking into the possibility that a member of the family of Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. may be linked to the killing of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles, NBI Bacolod chief Ferdinand Lavin said yesterday.

Lavin said information they have received does not link the vice governor but a member of his family.

“We are considering that angle very seriously against the four other angles we have considered,” he added.

He, however, would not divulge the name of the member of the vice governor’s family being investigated and why the person was linked to the crime.

“I don’t want to make definite or conclusive statement, it is still under serious consideration,” Lavin said.

Lavin said he would not divulge in details as “I don’t want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation, or compromise the safety of witnesses and people cooperating with us”.

Arles was shot to death by gunmen on a tricycle in Brgy. Manalad, Ilog, while he was driving home on April 24.

His daughter, Maria Estelita “Ria” Arles, yesterday said they could not confirm or deny that a member of the Alvarez family is linked to her father’s killing, being private individuals they are only recipients of facts and evidence gathered by law enforcers.

Vice Governor Alvarez said he heard from his daughter, Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, that Arles was a good judge and person.

The vice governor said his family has no reason to want Arles dead, he does not understand why a member of his family is being linked to his killing.

He said his family did not have a case pending before Arles’ court and he does not see any possible motive for them to want him dead.

The vice governor said he is praying no one from the sixth district dies, as the blame might be unjustly pinned on his family again.*CPG

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