Quick end to Gogong slay case sought

The Filipino community in Australia is asking for the immediate resolution to the killing of Filipino-Australian businessman Renerio “Gogong” Arrogante III.

As this developed, the group also aired concerns over the killings in the country especially in Cebu, which might affect its image as the favorite destination in the country.

Although they lauded the National Bureau of Investigation-7 for the arrest of the suspect of the case, Army Sgt. Moises Ludoc, they believed the mastermind of the murder us still at large.

Niel Galang, vice president of the Filipino Community in Australia, the umbrella organization of 45 different Filipino communities and organizations in Australia, said that they want justice for Arrogante’s death.

Renerio holds dual citizenship as he also lived for some time in Australia before returning to Daanbantayan town to engage in business.

“Kaya gusto naming mabigyan nang hustisya yong nangyari kay Arrogante na ating kababayan para ma-convince naman natin ang iba nating kababayan sa ibang bansa lalo na dito sa Australia na gusto naman maka uwi sa ating bansa na safe ang kanilang buhay,” Galang added. 

The Australian government has assured the family of Arrogante of its keen interest in the case. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith informed members of the Arrogante family, who are now based in Australia, through Member of Parliament Daryl Melham, that the Australian Embassy in Manila is taking interest in the case.

Renerio’s widow, Julieta, said they decided to asked assistance from the Australian government after they were disappointed with the Daanbantayan police.

Daanbantayan municipal councilor Hiram Benatiro proposed that the municipal government appropriate P500,000 to be given as reward for information leading to the arrest of the mastermind but he failed to get support from the majority members of the council.

Arrogante was killed in the Daanbantayan town market last March 9, in front of his horrified wife and son, Renren, at the vicinity of their business establishment.  —Jose P. Sollano/BRP