Convicted ex-Abra governor to be transferred to NBP

MANILA, Philippines - Former Abra governor Vicente Valera, convicted on Wednesday for the murder of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin in 2006, will be transferred from Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Inspector Aris Villaester, spokesman for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region, said Valera is currently detained at the Metro Manila District Jail at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan.

Villaester said they are processing the transfer of Valera and his co-accused, Rufino Panday, to the NBP following their conviction on two counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder.

The other co-accused, Sgt. Leo Bello, is detained at the Quezon City Jail in Kamuning, according to QC Jail spokesman Jayrex Bustinera.

Bustinera said they are also coordinating with NBP officials for the transfer of the accused under their custody.

Also on Wednesday, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria issued a commitment order directing the Bureau of Corrections to keep the convicts in custody until their sentence is served.

The three were found guilty of conspiring to assassinate Bersamin in front of Mt. Carmel church in Quezon City on Dec. 16, 2006.

The lawmaker’s police escort, Senior Police Officer 1 Adelfo Ortega, also died in the attack while his driver Allan Sawadan was injured. Also injured was a 13-year-old parking attendant who was hit by a stray bullet.

The judge imposed on the convicts the sentence of reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole, or up to 40 years in prison.

The sentence is different from life imprisonment, according to Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te.  – With Cecille Suerte Felipe