Judge Arles murder case“Gunman” freed on bail

BACOLOD City, Philippines — One of the two alleged gunmen in the murder 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 in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila, has been charged with illegal possession of firearms by the NBI before the Bacolod Regional Trial Court.

Daguia along with 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 relation to the murder of Arles.

However, all of them denied killing the judge who was gunned down in Brgy. Manalad in Ilog town last April 24 while on his way home.

In their joint memorandum sent to the DOJ, the six RPA-ABB members denied participation in the murder, saying the complaint was based mainly on the extra-judicial confessions executed by Daguia, Capunong and Fortunado, which they claimed were tortured into making admission.

The other accused—Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, his father Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara—also earlier denied participation in the murder of the judge.

Daguia, Capunong, and Fortunado had sought protective custody in NBI Manila last July. Capunong was later transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Bacolod 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 Freeman: “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 Department of Justice and we remain confident in our justice system.”

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 on their alleged torture, kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges. The torture allegations were also 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 Freeman: “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.”  (FREEMAN)