Supporters of slain trader to start fund for witnesses

CEBU, Philippines - Supporter and members of the Justice for Gogong Movement in Daanbantayan town are planning to launch the “Peso-Peso para kang Gogong” on March 9, the first anniversary of the businessman Renerio “Gogong” Arrogante’s death.

The activity is a fund drive aimed at raising money to be used for the protection of any witness who may come forward with information about his murder.

Rosanny Luche, convenor of the Justice for Gogong Movement, in a statement said it has almost been a year now since Arrogante was shot while standing outside his store in the town market but the killing is still unsolved.

Although, the suspected assailant, Army sargeant Moises Ludoc, was arrested, the group of Luche believes that there is another person behind the killing.

“Dako gayud ang maong pagtuo nga aduna pay lain nga nagpaluyo sa kamatayon ni Gogong, gani ang katawhan sa lungsod sa Daanbantayan naa sa ilang pagtuo kinsa ang mga nalambigit niini,” Luche said.

Earlier, the family of Arrogante said they are disappointed over the delay in the solution to killing and urged law enforcement agencies to fast track the investigation and pin down the mastermind of the killing.   Renerio’s wife Juliet said they believe that influential people are behind the killing and that it has to do with Renerio’s active involvement in politics.

Although, they are disappointed by the delay of the case they thanked the people of Daanbantayan for their continued support. Every first week of the month, supporters gather at the town to urge law enforcement agencies concerned to solve the case.

The family of Arrogante is now living in Australia but is actively monitoring the case here and has made petitions to the Australian government as well as President Gloria Arroyo to intervene in the investigation. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)