Wednesday, October 11, 2006 Nalzaro: I rest my case By Bobby Nalzaaro
I am not supposed to write about this because this appears self-serving. In Sun.Star, columnists are barred from writing on issues involving their personal interests. Columnists who are lawyers, for example, are prohibited from writing about their clients.
But I ask our readers to understand me. In this issue, my credibility and integrity as a journalist and my honor and dignity as a person are at stake.
Dante de la Torre, an ex-convict, was one of the victims of the vigilante-style attacks in Cebu City over the weekend. His live-in partner Mildred then accused me of masterminding the killing.
She told reporters that she heard me criticize Dante in my radio program days before two unidentified persons gunned her husband down inside their store in Hipodromo.
De la Torre, a known car artist and robber, burglarized my car parked at the Ayala Mall five years ago. I filed a case against him and he was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison.
Dante had just been released from the National Bilibid Prison after serving his sentence for robbery when he victimized me. Last year, he was released on parole.
In my early morning radio program last Friday, dySS reporter Norman Mendoza reported about another burglary at the Ayala parking area. De la Torre’s name came to mind.
That prompted me to use my case as an example and warned the public about it. And I did mention de la Torre’s name and advised him to reform. However, de la Torre was gunned down the following day.
It was then that Mildred blamed me for the death of her husband, whom she claimed had already reformed. Aside from her statements in the media, posters criticizing me were placed outside the chapel where the wake of de la Torre was held.
But how could I have masterminded the killing when I am a peace loving and God-fearing person?
To set the record straight, I have no hand in the series of vigilante style attacks that started two years ago. I don't know who these vigilantes are and I am not affiliated with their group.
And who am I to influence these people? I am not holding any government position and I don’t have the power to order them to kill criminals.
Usay pagtuo ninyo, gamhanan ko? Yes, I admit that the vigilantes sometimes inform me about their “accomplishments” through text messages. But they also relay that information to other media people, especially the police beat reporters.
Yesterday, I went to the homicide division of the Cebu City Police Office upon receiving their invitation for me to air my side on the issue. Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem and some of my friends in the media accompanied me. (Thanks for the moral support, Jack).
Homicide investigators then showed me a video footage of Mildred asking forgiveness for her wild accusation against me and claiming she was carried away by her emotions. She even sought financial assistance for her batchoy store.
Well, I understand her and even sympathize with her plight. And I hope this clarifies everything. Now I rest my case.
