"Who is in his right mind would be interested in killing a detained person," said Ejercito following National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales’ disclosure that the NPA is after Estrada.
Ejercito suspects that the supposed plot was only a ploy to keep Estrada away from the public eye as the nation gets ready for the May elections.
He said his father still has the charisma that the Arroyo administration fears Estrada might use to bring out the votes.
"We don’t really believe that there is a threat on his life," said the 37-year-old Ejercito.
He also complained of the strict police security at Estrada’s Tanay, Rizal resthouse where the former president is being detained while on trial for massive corruption.
Even Estrada’s closest friends were not allowed to pay him a visit, Ejercito said. "Their move in a way explains that President Estrada has still the strong support of the people."
Authorities are looking into reports that certain groups, including the NPA, may try to assassinate Estrada and pin the blame on the government, according to armed forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
He said security officials are taking seriously that the NPA may try to harm the former president. – Non Alquitran, Jaime Laude, AFP