‘Triggerman’ in Negros judge’s slay freed on bail

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – One of the two alleged gunmen in the killing of Kabankalan Judge Henry Arles last April gained temporary liberty Saturday after posting bail for an illegal possession of firearms case.

Suspect Jessie Daguia, who reportedly sought protective custody from the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila, has been charged with illegal possession of firearms by the NBI before the Bacolod regional trial court.

Daguia and fellow Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) members Alejandro Capunong, Eddie Fortunado, Marvin Salve, Gerald Tabujara, and Rustom Puro were subpoenaed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) last September in connection with the Arles killing.

However, all of them denied having a hand in the slay. Arles was gunned down in Barangay Manalad in Ilog town last April 24 while on his way home.

The other accused – Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, his father Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara – also had denied participation in the killing.

Daguia, Capunong, and Fortunado sought protective custody from NBI-Manila last July.

Capunong was later transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology here but was released last October after posting bail of P80,000.

Philip Arles, son of the slain judge, said in a text message to The STAR, “We lament the release of Daguia on bail and view this occurrence as a hindrance to our pursuit of justice. Yet, the family remains resolute and hopeful that truth and justice shall prevail in the end. We are awaiting the resolution of the case with the (DOJ) and we remain confident in our justice system.”

In their joint memorandum to the DOJ, the six RPA-ABB members denied participation in the killing, saying the complaint was based mainly on the extrajudicial confessions executed by Daguia, Capunong and Fortunado, who they alleged were tortured into making the admission.

The six suspects also asked the DOJ to direct the Bacolod City prosecutor, provincial prosecutor of Negros Occidental or the Kabankalan City prosecutor to conduct an investigation into their alleged torture, kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

The torture allegations had been denied by the NBI and the Arles family.

Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesman of the Arles family and brother-in-law of the slain judge, sent a text message to The STAR, saying, “The temporary release of Daguia is part of the ups and downs in a protracted struggle against a Goliath: the tandem of the RPA-ABB and the political clan masterminds.”