By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Three former Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade rebels were found guilty over the murder of a Kabankalan City Judge in 2012.

The three, identified as Alejandro Capunong, Eddie Fortunado, and Jessie Daguia, were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole last week by Judge Editha Mina Aguba of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court-Branch 100.

Based on records released by the court, the three conspired to kill Kabankalan City Judge Henry Arles.

Arles was shot dead in Barangay Manalad, Ilog on April 24, 2012, with Daguia reportedly identified as the gunman, with Capunong and Fortunado serving as getaway drivers.

Following Arles’ killing, Daguia reportedly received P81,000.

Fortunado, meanwhile, received P75,000 and Capunong received P31,000 for their role in the murder.

The three were arrested on August 22, 2013 and confessed to the crime, although they later recanted their statements.

Aguba, however, did not accept their change of heart, claiming, they were hoping they could escape the situation.

The three are expected to serve their time at the New Bilibid Prison in Manila./DGB, WDJ