Task Force Bersamin asks Congress to investigate killings in Abra

Some police investigators have apparently been demoralized by the power of influential people in Abra, as the law enforcers have called on the House of Representatives to start an inquiry on the series of political killings in the province as well as the murder of Abra. Rep. Luis Bersamin last Dec. 16 in Quezon City.

Investigators of the Task Force Bersamin said the inquiry should focus not only on the possible involvement of Abra Gov. Vicente Valera in the assassination of Bersamin but also on other politically-motivated killings in the province that have remained unsolved due to the influence of politicians in Abra.

Members of the Task Force Bersamin made the call as the House committee on public order and security, chaired by Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino, is set to conduct on an inquiry into the Bersamin killing today.

Espino’s committee had invited to attend the inquiry the relatives of Bersamin, members of Task Force Bersamin that include former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director and now Chief of Directorial Staff Director Jesus Versoza, current CIDG Director Edgardo Doromal, former CIDG High-Profile Case Division chief Senior Superintendent Benjamin delos Santos, Quezon City Police District Director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula; and Task Force Abra chief Senior Superintendent Eugene Martin.

Versoza said the police have started looking into the possible connection of several high-profile killings in Abra, including the attempted killing of Lagayan town Mayor Cecilia Luna.

"The inquiry should cover not only developments in the investigation of the murder of Bersamin but also other killings or violent incidents in Abra which have been blamed on Governor Valera," Versoza said during a radio interview over dzBB.

Versoza said Valera was previously charged with murder and frustrated murder after he was implicated in the killing of Army Cpl. Antonio Rosqueta and attempt on the life of Army Cpl. Eduardo Barcelona. The case has allegedly been pending at the Office of the Ombudsman for more two years.

Barcelona and Rosqueta, both Army officers detailed in Abra, were allegedly tasked to kill Lagayan Mayor Luna after the soldiers were ordered by their immediate superior Lt. Col. Noel Mislang, reportedly an ally of Valera. After the two refused to carry out the task, they were allegedly attacked in Isabela.

Versoza also noted that the original confession of ex-Army Sgt. Rufino Panday, who claimed that he served as a lookout in the Bersamin killing, was credible. Panday, however, recanted his initial confession. The suspect had earlier claimed that Valera was the mastermind in the assassination of Bersamin.

Panday said former La Paz, Abra Vice Mayor Freddie Dupo paid him P100,000 for his participation in the killing of Bersamin.