Bersamin family offers reward for ex-Abra governor's capture

MANILA, Philippines - The family of slain former Abra congressman Luis Bersamin offered yesterday a P250,000 reward for the arrest of his political rival, former Abra governor Vicente Valera, and P100,000 for Valera’s aide, former sergeant Leo Bello.

Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin said the money would be handed over to any “public servant” who helps the police arrest Valera and Bello.

“Our family decided to come out with the reward money to facilitate the arrest not only of Valera but other persons involved in the killing of my elder brother,” Bersamin said.

The Abra governor said his family is still deliberating the reward to be offered for the arrest of another suspect, Jerry Turqueza, who is reportedly an active member of the New People’s Army rebels operating in Abra.

In a one-page order dated Aug. 10, Judge Luisito Cortez of the Quezon City Regional Trial court (RTC) Branch 84 ordered the arrest of Valera, Bello and Turqueza for their role in the ambush-slay of Bersamin and his police aide, SPO2 Adelfo Ortega, in front of the Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City on Dec. 16, 2006.

Bersamin was the fiercest political rival of Valera in Abra, the third poorest province in the country.

The younger Bersamin said Valera went into hiding immediately after learning about the arrest warrant issued by Cortez.

“Because he (Valera) went into hiding, Abrenos are convinced he is guilty as charged. If he has nothing to do with the murder of my brother, he should surrender and face the law,” a member of the Bersamin family told The STAR.

But reports circulating in Camp Crame yesterday showed Valera is working for his surrender to the National Bureau of Investigation.

The younger Bersamin said the reward money was raised by his elder brother’s daughter, Charry.

“The money is ready for pickup by anybody who could pinpoint the whereabouts of Valera and his aide, Bello, after verification with police authorities,” he said.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa has dispatched several tracker teams to arrest Valera, who was last sighted at a restaurant in Baguio City, in the company of his wife.