The family of slain Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles yesterday thanked the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front for their support in their quest for justice.

The CPP-NPA-NDF in southwest Negros on Thursday lauded the family of Arles for their fight for justice, and encouraged those who may have knowledge about his death to come out and help solve the heinous crime.

Andrea Guerrero, spokesperson of the Armando Sumayang Command, said the alleged involvement in the killing of members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, whom she labeled as “mercenaries and bandits”, was an expected development.

Guerrero claimed that being “goons for hire” has become the RPA-ABB’s main source of livelihood.

RPA-ABB spokesman Victorino Sumulong said the NPA is creating a scenario and engaging in black propaganda to put their organization in a bad light, because of the imminent signing of the closure of their peace agreement with the government.

Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesman for the Arles and Britancio families, said in a statement yesterday that they sincerely appreciate this heartwarming message of the CPP-NDF-NPA since it comes from an “organization that has persisted in a long and determined struggle, for a mass-basedeconomic development, true democracy and genuine national freedom.”

Their statement whichdescribes Arles as a righteous, honest and model judge speaks aloud that he indeed was a friend of the people, especially the poor, the under-privileged and those whosebasic human rights have been violated, Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles, said.

“This latest expression of support from revolutionary organizations is an affirmation of the growing clamor from the media, from churches of different denominations, from cause oriented groups and from the people, for a speedy resolution of the murder of the late Judge,” he said.

With regards to the crimes committed by the RPA-ABB that were specifically mentioned by the CPP, NPA, NDF spokesperson, we confirm that, during the course of our investigation of the murder case, we have discovered the truthfulness of many of these atrocities, Britanico added.

A case in point is the hold-up of a livestock dealer in Kabankalan City, he said.

While in the custody of the NBI, the Arles murder suspects RPA-ABB members Jessie Daguia and Eddie Fortunado admitted before fellow inmates that they staged the hold-up of the livestock dealer and carted away P450,000, Britanico said.

“We throw down a challenge to the police department of Kabankalan City to pursue the investigation of this crime, specially since the culprits are already under custody. We also encourage the victims to come out and pursue their cases against these criminals,” he said.

The Arles and Britanico families will be more than willing to help the victims, he added.*CPG

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