“Walang bisyo ang anak ko” (My son had no vice), she reacted.

Cris and his colleagues underwent drug tests, were found “negative,” and were released after 24 hours. The group learned later that they were framed-up by “men in uniform.”

Suspect

“Ang suspetsa namin militar ang may gawa nun kasi nung Friday bago ‘yung meeting, inutusan siya ng papa niya na mag-withdraw ng pera sa AFPSLAI. Sabi niya,’ mama darating si Gloria. Siguradong may mga parak na magpapasikat’,“ (Our suspicion is that the military killed him because last Friday before his meeting, he was ordered by his father to withdraw money from AFPSLAI. He said, ‘mama Gloria is coming. For sure some police or military officers would want to create a good impression.) Rowena said.

“Hindi kami naninilawala na frat war ang dahilan kung bakit pinatay si Cris. Walang history ng frat war dito sa Bicol at kahit mga taga-ibang fraternity kaibigan niya” (We do not believe that Cris was killed because of a fraternity war. There was never a history of violent frat wars in Bicol. And he has friends from other fraternities), she said.

Accredited fraternities in Bicol University confirmed this in a press conference March 24 at the BU administration building.

Michael Malano, coordinator of the National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP) and incoming BU student council president, joined in condemning the killing.

“I challenge the authorities to widen their range of investigation. We are calling for (your) cooperation for immediate action and justice for Cris Hugo,” said Gerald Dino Caba of APO.

“Ang pagkamatay ni Cris ay may malalim pang rason. Tulad ng pagkamatay ni Joel Asejo , wala paring malinaw na resulta ang imbestigasyon,” (The death of Cris has a deeper reason. Just like the death of Joel Asejo, there were no clear findings resulting from the official investigation), LFS-BU chapter spokesman Rodcel Bontigao said.

Asejo was also a student at the BU College of Industrial Engineering. He was killed on October 2002 in Sto. Domingo, Albay. The suspects were military men from Tanay, Rizal. The court issued arrest warrants against the suspects but they are still at large.

“We will seek justice for him. I cannot accept the death of my son,” Cris’ mother said.

Students, organizations and other concerned individuals have been holding a protest vigil in front of Camp Simeon Ola, Legazpi City every 5 p.m. since Cris’ death

Cris’ remains will be interred on March 31. A tribute was scheduled by his family, friends and fellow activists on March 30. (Bulatlat.com)

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