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“Areglo” frustrates justice for Omaois

BAGUIO CITY (Jan. 14) – Media sources in Tabuk, Kalinga where Stephen Omaois worked as a staff reporter reveal that intermediaries have approached the slain journalist’s family for settlement with the suspected perpetrators of the killing.

The Guru Press, a local bi-monthly publication in Kalinga, claimed that the out-of-court settlement of the case frustrates justice, as this practice allows “criminals to walk freely among us,” in their statement e-mailed to NORDIS on Friday, January 14.

Amicable settlement or “areglo” is traditionally used by parties to settle disputes, even criminal ones. The practice is prevalent in the area, claimed the statement.

Tabuk is a rural center in Kalinga where different tribes and lowlanders established residence as early as the American resettlement program. Residents claim that victims’ families usually accept the areglo as the legal system has failed to ensure justice for their relatives. This is also to end any hostilities as a result of a crime, especially among warring tribes

Disturbed with the latest settlement move, the Guru Press reiterated their support for the Omaois family in pursuing the case until justice is achieved.

The Guru Press urged the relatives of the suspects on the Omaois murder to stop coddling their sons. “They should not endanger the lives of other people by shielding their children from the consequence of their murder of Stephen Omaois”, added their statement.

Several groups in Tabuk condemn Omaois’ gruesome killing and latest killings including that of Mr. Manuel Dulawon and they support the quest for justice for Omaois.

It can be recalled that Omaois was allegedly killed by six youths on the evening of November 26 last year in a forested area near the Tabuk National High School in the said municipality. His body was found on December 1st last year with multiple head injuries.

The Tabuk PNP invited a 16-year old high school student for another murder case last year. The student later confessed his involvement in the crime and identified his five companions. A warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Victor Dalanao against the three suspects who are at large. Three among the six suspects have confessed their participation in the crime, claimed the Guru Press, and are presently under the custody of the PNP Kalinga.

The Guru statement claims that “the hope for the attainment of justice for our slain colleague has soared” with the filing of the case. # Arthur L. Allad-iw for NORDIS

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