Sisterhood ties, Norwegian business council eyed for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - More than a month after the release from detention of Norwegian Sven Erik Berger and his Filipina girlfriend Karen Esdrelon, Ambassador Knut Solem visited Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to personally express his appreciation for the solution of the case.

Solem was also able to discuss yesterday with Garcia the possible establishment of a sisterhood relationship between Cebu and a region in Norway.

He also met with Norwegian businessmen in Cebu with the aim of organizing a Filipino-Norway Business Council.

On the Berger incident, Solem said the case was unfortunate because it created a bad image. But he is happy the case was solved in the end.

“We must respect that the system takes time. I would say we are very, very happy that the case was solved,” Solem told the press.

Berger and Esdrelon were tagged as suspects in the kidnap-slay of six-year old Ellah Joy Pique last February 8 in Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu.

Berger and Esdrelon were, however, able to show documentary evidence including footages from the closed-circuit TV of a hotel that it was impossible for them to be at the crime scene.

Their documentary evidence and the footages were confirmed by the National Bureau of Investigation-Region VII upon the request of Garcia to verify the couple’s alibi.

That was the time the Cebu Provincial Anti-Criminality Task Force created by Garcia stepped into the case.

The NBI report and the other evidence were given credence by the prosecutors who handled the complaint, resulting in the release of the couple on February 28.

The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office found no ground to charge them.

From detention, Berger visited Garcia at Capitol to thank the governor, saying he was pleased with Garcia’s action.

“We appreciated all the assistance given to them and instead of blaming we should be appreciative of the assistance,” Solem said, adding that he also thanked the Cebu media for the focus and giving importance on the case.

Garcia briefed Solem on the phenomenal growth of Cebu’s economy, which makes her push for more power plants such as coal-fired and renewable energy.

Solem said a lot more can be done especially in the maritime industry, because a lot of Filipinos are working as seafarers in Norway.

Also, he said around 40 Norwegian companies operating in the country and some of these are in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)