| THE OBSERVER | By Glenn Vidal Beup |

Ricky Buenafe, an innocent victim of shooting incident before December Eve last year was finally laid to rest last week. The funeral was full of emotions as the family and friends of Buenafe are still crying for justice. Buenafe and his friend, both are in school, sustained several gunshot wounds from unknown assailants, an incident perceived by many as mistaken identity. The initial investigation of the Pilar PNP showed that the original targets of the assailants are the CVOs identified with former mayor Ike Patricio. Patricio’s son is the incumbent Punong Barangay of Poblacion, Pilar.

The funeral procession unexpectedly did not follow the usual route in going to the cemetery, thus eliciting curiosity onlookers. The funeral parade instead made a very slow march right in front of the house of Judge Hannibal Patricio while chanting “Justice for Ricky Buenafe!” Such incredible statement showed that the incident involving the death of the two innocent victims was being alluded to Judge Hannibal Patricios’ bodyguards.

It is quite ironic that the person expected to be responsible in administering justice was likewise perceived as also answerable of committing injustice as shown in their indignation walk right on the face of the MCTC Judge. Makahuluya!

Judge Hannibal Patricio should not involve himself politically. The ongoing word war between his wife, Vice Mayor Ruby Patricio and erstwhile friend former mayor Ike Patricio created in him a very corrupt image apart from being partial and subjective. Serving as his wife’s spokesman only demean his stature as an officer of the court! Tama?

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Recently, Judge Hannibal Patricio was again heard over the airwaves in a heated argument with former mayor Ike Patricio. Judge Patricio accused the former mayor of masterminding to unseat his son as the SK Federation President of Pilar, Capiz. An allegation denied by the former mayor. Majority of the SK Chairmen signed the petition to remove Judge Patricio’s son on the ground of inefficiency and habitual absences during SK meetings and sessions.

The action of Judge Hannibal Patricio to come forward and to speak in his son’s behalf through a confrontational discussion with the former mayor over the radio shows his lacked of delicadeza. Judge Patricio should not stoop to the level of Ike Patricio who is known for his childish behavior. Again it only demeans your standing and reputation as a Judge unless you lacked of it!

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A city hall personnel asked a close friend of mine as to my political leaning. His curiosity as to my political affiliation prompted him to ask such stupid question. I don’t intend to lecture this brainless creature the basics of journalism. If this writer sometimes becomes critical to the Celino administration, it doesn’t mean that I favor a certain political party. Klaro?!