Probers review slain Aurora judge’s cases

CAMP RAVINA, Aurora, Philippines – Investigators are reviewing 240 cases handled by slain Baler Judge Jude Erwin Alaba, hoping to uncover leads in his murder.

Senior Superintendent Danilo Florentino, provincial police director, said the cases range from drugs, land dispute, murder and other crimes.

Florentino said investigators have reviewed 140 of the 240 cases.

On Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez directed Florentino to speed up the resolution of Alaba’s murder.

“The Chief PNP wants us to solve Alaba’s killing as soon as possible,” he said.

Eleven days into the killing, police have yet to identify the gunman.

Alaba was shot dead inside the compound of the Baler Regional Trial Court Branch 91 in Barangay Suklayin on Sept. 1.

He died from a single bullet wound in the chest while his wife Margarita was hit in the arm.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said investigators’ initial review showed Alaba was handling sensitive drug and land dispute cases.