DOJ readies resolution on Negros judge’s slay

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The family of slain Kabankalan regional trial court judge Henry Arles has received information that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is readying the release of its resolution on the murder case. 

Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesperson of the Arles family and brother-in-law of the slain judge, told The Freeman yesterday that they have received information that DOJ state prosecutor Vimar Barcellano has reportedly finished his resolution on the murder complaint, and has submitted the same to the chief state prosecutor for approval.

As soon as the chief state prosecutor approves the resolution, it is expected that Justice Secretary Leila De Lima will request the Supreme Court to allow the DOJ to assign the case to a Manila trial court, said Britanico.

The DOJ could not possibly assign it to a Bacolod trial court considering the high profile case, and the involvement of big personalities who are suspects in the crime, he said.

The Arles family expressed confidence that the DOJ will approve the resolution, Britanico said, so justice will eventually be served to Arles who was gunned down in Ilog town, Negros Occidental on his way home last April 24.

The Arles family and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have filed murder charges against Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, whom they tagged as the mastermind of the crime, his father Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., who is running for governor next year, and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara.

Also named in the murder complaints were the mayor’s aide Emmanuel Medez, and six members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) – Jessie Daguia, Alejandro Capunong, Eddie Fortunado, Rustom Puro, Marvin Salve and Gerald Tabujara.

Fortunado and Daguia were arrested by the NBI last July and detained at NBI Manila for illegal possession of firearms charges. However, they were released in October and November, respectively, upon posting bails.

All the respondents were subpoenaed by the DOJ last September, and all of them denied the charges.

The vice governor said the charges are “politically motivated” and they are confident that truth will vindicate them. (FREEMAN)