CABANATUAN CITY – “I have no blood in my hands,” thus said Gov. Aurelio Umali in response to insinuation that broadcaster Julius Caesar Cauzo was murdered because of his stand in favor of the bid to upgrade this city into highly urbanized status, a move he openly opposes.
“Kaya ko pong tingnan kahit sino sa inyo, kaya kong isama ang buong pamilya ko’t aking mga anak, I have no blood sa aking mga kamay Umali said.
The statement which is being aired repeatedly over local television was made by Umali after some 300 people, including city government officials, conducted an indignation rally in front of the Old Capitol compound here on Thursday night, hours after Cauzo was gunned down by a lone gunman in Barangay Aduas Norte this city.
Assistant city administrator Eugene Mintu reportedly entered the Capitol compound and allegedly was among a group that destroyed a glass door.
Saying Mayor Julius Caesar Vergara and human rights lawyer JV Bautista were seen in the crowd, Umali said he would file charges against them.
“I am condemning the lawlessness and anarchy being perpetrated by Mayor Jay and his group,” the governor said.
Bautista, an executive of United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) who is challenging the governor’s wife, 3rd district Rep. Czarina Umali in next year’s election, welcomed the report.
“You can charge us anytime,” Bautista said in an interview.
Supt. Eli Depra, city police chief, said Vergara was seen passing by the place but did not stay with the crowd.
Vergara whose family owns dwJJ where Cauzon worked as announcer called for sobriety. “We don’t need to speculate, let’s respect due process,” Vergara urged his constituents.
He said Cauzo has been effectively answering issues against the HUC bid which he pushes.
Angelina Cauzo, the victim’s wife, said the remains will be brought to the city at 6 am Monday for necrological services before being taken to Barangau Sibul, Talavera, Nueva Ecija where he served as member of the sangguniang barangay.
