By BEN SERRANO
Correspondent
AGUSAN del Sur––Thousands lined up on streets from Butuan city to Loreto town to pay their last respects to slain Mayor Dario Otaza. In Loreto, his town mates, relatives, friends and supporters, including town government employees, gave him a “hero’s welcome.”
Otaza’s supporters staged a “Caravan for Justice” in connection with the brutal killing of Otaza and his 23-year old son, Daryl, in Butuan City.
Col. Alexander Macario, commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, the caravan was a tribute by people from all walks of life for Mayor Otaza, who was also known as “Datu Malampuson,” because he was a known advocate for peace and good leadership.
Otaza’s brother and chief of staff Willy expressed his family’s gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and support even as he called on the government to ensure that the killers are brought to justice.
He also urged Otaza’s supporters not to take the law in their own hands, and allow the police and military to catch the killers.
The New People’s Army (NPA) has owned the responsibility for the gruesome shooting deaths, saying the mayor was punished for alleged land grabbing, extrajudicial killings, and “recycling” rebel surrenders.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
