Arrogante relatives seek Aussie intervention in slay case

The family of businessman Renerio “Gogong” Arrogante who was killed in Daanbantayan town last March 9 is petitioning the Australian government for help in the murder case.

Julieta Arrogante and members of the family are now in Australia to gather signatures for their petition to ask the Australian government to request that the trial be held in Manila where Cebu City officials cannot interfere.

Renerio has dual citizenship as he also lived for some time in Australia before coming back here.

One suspect in the killing, Army Sgt. Moises Ludoc, was already arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation.

As this developed, a “Justice for Gogong” Legal Aid Fund has been established in Australia, calling for donations to raise money for the legal expenses.

 Last month, Julieta sought help from President Gloria Arroyo in resolving the murder of her husband.  She also met Governor Gwen Garcia over the case.

In a statement, the family of Arrogante said they are disappointed with local government officials in Daanbantayan town for defending Ludoc.

 Renerio’s sister Lourdes said that they wanted to know why a certain official is now helping Ludoc with his legal matters.

 “After all the years of my brother helping developed Daanbantayan’s economy, helping create jobs for the residents, and being a good citizen, the local government did not send a condolence message,” Lourdes said.

 A memorial service will be held in Sydney, Australia, on May 24, 2008 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Renerio was gunned down last March 9 in front of his office while he was talking to Juliet and their son Renren.

Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots before seeing Renerio slumped on the ground. He had been shot in both arms, chest and above his neck.

  His family has insisted that his killing was politically motivated.

Gogong ran for town councilor in the May 14 elections under the ticket of Augusto Corro, but lost.  Corro also lost to Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, son of Vice Mayor Maria Luisa Loot.  — Jose P. Sollano/BRP