Mayor in South Cotabato arrested over three-year-old murder case

By Ronron
July 6, 2007

An incumbent mayor in South Cotabato province in Mindanao was arrested on Friday morning by police operatives over a three-year-old murder case where he is implicated.

Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Robert Kuinisala identified the suspect in a phone interview as Tampakan Mayor Bienvenido Barroso, 33.

Kuinisala said Barroso was arrested at his residence in the town proper of Tampakan at around 8:45 am yesterday by virtue of a warrant issued by a court in Manila over his alleged involvement in a murder case in 2004.

“He did not resist arrest. He was civil enough and submitted his self to the arresting team from the Provincial Police Office,” Kuinisala said of Barroso, who won in the recently held national and local elections.

Kuinisala said his men served the arrest warrant against Barroso after receiving it last Thursday from Manila. The warrant was issued by Judge Jose Mendoza of the National Capital Judicial Region, Branch 55 in Manila City.

“The Mayor is implicated in the murder of Gregorio Banal last July 28, 2004 in Tampakan. Mr. Banal ran against but lost to the mayor’s father, Claudius, in the May 2004 elections,” Kuinisala said.

Kuinisala is not aware, however, as to specific details about the case, particularly the motive and the younger Barroso’s alleged role in the killing.

“The arrest warrant did not say if he (Barroso) is the mastermind,” said Kuinisala.

Kuinisala said Barroso will be flown to Manila later Friday and will be accepted by the Department of Justice, particularly Prosecutor Leo Dacera, who will present him to Judge Mendoza.

Asked if the Mayor was defiant during yesterday’s operations, Kuinisala said: “No. He said he is prepared to face the charges against him and will follow the due process.”

Barroso refused to talk to this reporter by phone when an attempt was made through Kuinisala./DMS