'Batman and Robin' tandem

By Alex P. Vidal


Now that Malacanang through Press Secretary Edwin Lacierda has ordered a thorough investigation on the senseless killing of radioman Niel "Lito" Jimena in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental last August 22, expect police probers, led by E.B. Magalona police chief, SP04 Leonardo Cobing, to leave no stone unturned in solving the grisly crime soon.
We expect a breakthrough in the case at least before the year ends when witnesses start to come out in the open and pinpoint the perpetrators and the masterminds after the Iloilo Press Club (IPC) dangled a P100,000 reward for anyone who can provide information for the culprits' immediate arrest. 
We still maintain that Jimena's murder could have something to do with his part-time job as police Senior Inspector Musa Amiyong's "runner" or "hitman" during the police officer's controversial stint as intelligence chief of the Iloilo City Police Office where they became widely known in the underworld community as "Batman and Robin."


CARTOON


"Batman and Robin" were hero cartoon characters and partners in fighting the bad guys in society. 
They tackled their foes in a hand-to-hand combat side by side. 
One of them was useless if the other was missing.
The Amiyong-Jimena romance that romped off some five years ago, became the object of gossips and constant discussions among coffee shop habitues in Iloilo City.
How they became infatuated with each other was something that intrigued some rank-and-file cops and fellow radio reporters. 
One time in a coffee shop inside SM city, an enraged Jimena punched fellow mediaman Francis Terania "for spreading a gossip about Jimena and Amiyong." Terania, who did not fight back, denied his friend's allegation but theorized "there was something fishy" when a cop and an off-and-on broadcaster form a team purportedly to run after illegal drugs syndicates.


FAR-FETCHED


It was not far-fetched for the Amiyong- Jimena tango to hit off since Amiyong is one of the only few police officers closed to members of media in Iloilo City. 
In fact, he is a "fast drawer" when it comes to picking up the tab for his media friends' coffee and tea. 
As Iloilo's "Batman and Robin," they were dreaded and merciless against the small fries but haven't bagged a single big fish despite their well-oiled operations, something that dismayed Amiyong's superiors and lent credence to suspicions they were doing some "monkey business."
We are not saying that Amiyong and Jimena were bad guys and had circumvented the laws or used their power and influence for their own whims and caprices. 
But one thing's for sure, they are not immaculate!


JUSTICE


If he is hellbent to give justice to his murdered subaltern, Amiyong should disclose to investigators all their botched and successful operations against suspected traders of illegal drugs in the past.
How many arrests have they made during the period of their notoriety as "Batman and Robin?" 
Who were the personalities involved and how did Amiyong deal with them even if they were known to be untouchables? 
What is the status of the cases, if there are any, filed against the suspects?
Furthermore, what qualifications did Jimena possess that prompted Amiyong to recruit him to his team? What was Jimena's real job prescription? 
What step did Amiyong undertake when Jimena was first ambushed and survived in 2009 also in Victorias City? 
What could be the motive of that slay attempt on Jimena's life?


OPEN


We are glad Amiyong has started to open his mouth. He should talk more and help ferret out the truth. Jimena has been eliminated. 
Amiyong is still standing--and talking!
Meanwhile, we appeal to some eager-bearer amateurs not to muddle the issue by prematurely pointing to an Iloilo City politician as the possible mastermind in the murder.
We believe Jimena was killed not because of his role as "anti-graft crusader" and for lambasting politicians in his blocktime programs. 
These issues are peanuts vis-a-vis the major angles being doggedly pursued by cracked probers that somebody could have double-crossed or hoodwinked someone in a very complicated transaction that turned awry.