Children of slain judge ask PNoy, Binay, De Lima for justice

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The children of murdered Kabankalan City Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles the other day appealed to President Benigno Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to help them attain speedy justice for their father.

Lawyer Ria Arles, daughter of the judge, said in a press conference here, that it’s almost a year since their father was murdered, but the Department of Justice has not issued a resolution on the case they filed in July last year.

Ria, however, said they respect the legal process which may take a long time, and they are stretching their patience even more.

“We don’t want to question the decision of the DOJ. What we have now is the hope that our father will be given the justice that he deserves. We are hopeful and we are praying,” she added.

Ria, joined by his brother Philip at the press conference, in between tears told the media the pain of losing their father, who was awarded by the Supreme Court in 2008 for his speedy disposition of cases in his sala.

Arles was gunned down by several men, riding a motorcycle and a tricycle, in Brgy. Manalad of Ilog town in Negros Occidental while on his way home on April 24, 2012.

“Our father, Judge Arles, was a fair and kind man. Who would have thought that he will die that way? It was senseless death,” a crying Ria said.

Despite the slow pace of the case, Ria said they continue to fight for justice for their father. “We continue to appeal to President Aquino, Vice President Binay, and Secretary De Lima and all government agencies capable of helping us for the speedy resolution of the case,” Ria said.

The Arles family has tagged Ilog town Mayor Paul Alvarez as the mastermind of the crime. His father, Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., is also one of the 11 suspects, along with six members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).

Philip, who is running for congressman in Negros Occidental’s 6th district against incumbent Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (sister of Paul and daughter of Genaro), said his crusade is beyond politics and will continue even after the May 13 elections.

“That’s why I become angry when Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr. says that the case (against them) is politically motivated,” he said.

Ria lamented reports that the suspects associated with the RPA-ABB will come out soon to clear the Alvarez family of involvement in their father’s murder.

“The real victims here, the aggrieved party, are us. I can’t understand why we are making heroes out of the suspects,” she added.

Vice Governor Alvarez issued a press statement, saying, “I will file a case against him (Philip Arles) and his cohorts. His statements are all lies and fabricated. I have refrained from commenting on this case because this is already with the DOJ. But once the resolution is out, my lawyers are going to file a case against them.”  (FREEMAN)