DOJ junks murder raps vs Negros vice governor, son

BACOLOD CITY—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the charges filed against Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., his son Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara for the murder of Kabankalan Judge Henry Arles for “insufficiency of evidence.”

In a resolution approved by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, the DOJ also recommended the filing of charges against several members of the breakaway rebel group Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.

They were identified as Marvin Salve, Gerald Tabujara, Rustom Puro, Alejandro Capunong, Jessie Daguia and Eddie Fortunado. An employee of Ilog town, Emmanuel Medes, was also recommended charged.

Arles was killed in Barangay Manalad, Ilog, while on his way home on April 24, 2012.

The DOJ said there was not enough evidence to support allegations that the Alvarez father and son and Vice Mayor Tabujara were involved in the murder.

The resolution noted that a witness, Rolyn Baylon, implicated Vice Governor Alvarez, Mayor Alvarez and Vice Mayor Tabujara but did not have direct knowledge of the crime. It said Baylon’s testimony was not corroborated by other witnesses.

The Alvarez family said they welcomed the decision. “We are vindicated,” said the vice governor in a press conference.