SC monitors slain Negros judge's case

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) is closely monitoring the progress of the case of slain Kabankalan regional trial court (RTC) Judge Henry Arles, court administrator Jose Midas Marquez said yesterday.

Marquez said they are waiting for the resolution of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The judge’s sons, Philip and lawyer Albert, have filed murder charges against Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez and nine others with the DOJ last July 27.

The mayor and his family have denied the charges, saying it is politically motivated.

Lawyer Francisco Britanico, brother-in-law of Arles, said they received information that the DOJ failed to issue a subpoena against Alvarez the past week due to the floods.

Marquez earlier announced a reward of P200,000 from the Philippine Judges Foundation for the arrest of Arles’ killers.

The Arles family also offered a reward of P1 million. They likewise asked the help of President Aquino for the speedy resolution of the case.

Arles was gunned down while on his way home to Ilog town, Negros Occidental last April 24.

Meanwhile, Britanico said new witnesses have volunteered to give additional information and provide evidence to solve the case.

 “We are confident that their information would be able to strengthen the case against Mayor Alvarez and the other accused,” he said.