Rojas slams delayed prosecution of vice mayor’s killing
“Shall we sit and wait for another useless and heartless shedding of blood before we let justice run its course? Justice? I just hope it does arrive in time.”
Such was Tuesday's renewed plea of Fifth District Board Member Jett Rojas, ten months after the senseless killing of his cousin, Ajuy Vice Mayor Ramon Rojas Jr.
With no clear resolution as of yet, Board Member Rojas decried latest turn of (mis) events particularly the assassination plot uncovered by Iloilo police. He spoke before colleagues in a privilege speech now referred to the committee on Public Order and Security for action.
“...in the light of succeeding events my own life and that of other municipal officials of our town are put in danger,” he began. “On August 12, 2008, Police Inspector Ariel Artillero, Chief of Police, PNP Ajuy filed a case of illegal possession of firearms (IS No. 2008 – 1281) against Edito Aguillon, Barangay Captain of Lanjagan, Ajuy for allegedly carrying an M16 armalite rifle within the vicinity of the barangay. Edito Aguillon is a well-known supporter of Vicente Espinosa and also alleged to be among those involved in planning the murder of Vice Mayor Rojas. It has been seven (7) months since the filing of the case in the Iloilo Provincial Prosecution Office but until now a preliminary investigation had not been conducted nor even set. Why the delay?”
Board Member Rojas then went ahead to question Aguillon’s possession of a firearm license.
“...how could he have applied for one in the first place as he was not qualified to because of a pending murder case filed against him?,” he asked.
Aguillon was apparently named as respondent in the death of one Bonifacio Guaza in December 2007.
“How was he able to secure documents like the Prosecutor’s Clearance, Court Clearance, NBI Clearance and Police Clearance? On record, no application for the latter was filed in PNP- Ajuy. One can only wonder at the connection this person has to be able to circumvent the law,” Board Member Rojas continued. “Recently, Col. Ricardo dela Paz exposed an assassination plot on four (4) government officials from the town of Ajuy by guns-for-hire. We are certain that this is all tied up with the murder case of the slain Vice Mayor Rojas.”
Committee on Public Order and Security is chaired by First District Board Member Richard Garin.