‘No evidence vs Abra governor’

Without any shred of evidence, police cannot summon Abra Gov. Vicente Valera to shed light into the killing of Abra Rep. Luis "Chito" Bersamin.

Investigators said Valera can ignore their invitation because they have nothing to pin him down as confessed lookout Rufino Palope Panday was merely told by another suspect, Freddie Dupo, about Valera’s alleged participation in the crime.

"We hope to talk to Governor Valera, we want to hear his statement," said a source.

Investigators plan to summon Valera to help shed light on the killing of Bersamin after one of the self-confessed lookouts implicated him in the lawmaker’s ambush in front of Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City last Dec. 16.

In a statement send to media, Valera has denied any knowledge of Bersamin’s murder.

He claimed he was just framed up by some people, whom he could not identify.

Panday claimed that Valera shelled out P5 million for the killing of Bersamin.

Bersamin is reportedly preparing to run against Valera in the race for governor of Abra next year.

Without any charges against him in court, Valera can still leave the country because he is not the subject of any hold-departure order.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon assured Bersamin’s family that the police will not stop until the ends of justice are served.

He has ordered a massive manhunt for the other suspects.

On the other hand, Panday urged his nephews who carried out the killing to surrender to the police or they will be silenced forever.

Panday, 63, said he fears for the lives of his nephews, ex-La Paz town vice-mayor Freddie Dupo, ex-constable Dominador Barbosa and Sonny Taculao.

All of them were responsible for Bersamin’s slaying, he added.

The five men were charged with double murder and double frustrated murder before a Quezon City court.

Chief Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, Quezon City police commander, said Panday fears that his family might earn the ire of Varela.

"I was able to talk to Panday the other night," he said. "He told me that he is afraid that Governor Valera, or his men might get back and do harm to him and the members of his family."

Task Force Bersamin, which was created for the immediate solution of the murder case, has sent men to pursue Dupo and three other suspects.

The other three suspects are Taculao, who reportedly drove the red Lancin Wingman getaway motorcycle; Dominador Barbosa, the alleged triggerman; and a still unidentified accomplice who drove the group’s red Tamaraw FX getaway vehicle.

Police expect the immediate arrest of the other suspects and their eventual prosecution.