Manhunt for ‘elusive’ Bersamin killers stepped up

Authorities have intensified their hunt for the 10 suspects in the killing of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin Jr. and his security aide.

"The manhunt is ongoing, they are elusive but we will get them soon," Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, Quezon City Police District director, told The STAR.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation are also hunting the suspects who are believed to be involved in other political killings in Abra.

Tagged as suspects in the Bersamin assassination are Freddie Dupo, Sonny Taculao, Dominador Barbosa and seven others. Bersamin and his police escort were gunned down outside Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City on Dec. 16.

Gatdula, vice chairman of Task Force Bersamin, said the joint police operations were concentrated in and around Metro Manila where the suspects were believed to have set up safehouses.

The task force earlier offered a reward of P200,000 for anybody who could provide information that could lead to the arrest of the Bersamin slay mastermind. Informants are advised to call or text the task force at 0922-735-8978.

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. also pledged an additional cash reward to be drawn from contributions from congressmen.

Gatdula said that detained Abra Gov. Vicente Valera, tagged earlier as the mastermind in the killings by a self-confessed lookout for the assassins, had expressed willingness to cooperate in the investigation.

The Department of Justice filed two counts of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Valera before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. Valera’s two bodyguards were also charged with illegal possession of firearms.

State Prosecutor Romeo Senson recommended P80,000 bail for the temporary liberty of Valera for illegal possession of two .45 caliber pistols and another P200,000 for possession of grenade. — With Jose Rodel Clapano