Ex-Abra governor wants arrest warrant recalled

MANILA, Philippines - Former Abra governor Vicente Valera is seeking the recall of an arrest warrant issued against him by a Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) for his alleged involvement in the Dec. 16, 2006 shooting of his political rival, Rep. Luis Bersamin Jr.

In an eight-page motion for reconsideration filed before the sala of RTC Branch 84 Judge Luisito Cortez, Valera’s lawyer, Rolando Quimbo, said the arrest warrant should be recalled until other motions, including the determination of probable cause, are resolved by the court.

The court did not grant bail for Valera’s temporary release, and Bersamin’s family is offering a P500,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Valera, in his motion for reconsideration, said evidence presented during the preliminary investigation did not show probable cause that he and co-accused Leo Bello and Jerry Turqueza are responsible for killing Bersamin and his security escort, SPO1 Adelfo Ortega.

Valera was earlier implicated by one of the suspects, Freddie Dupo, who said the ex-governor masterminded the murder.

The alleged gunman, Rufino Panday, and Sunny Tacolao, have been detained while on trial. Another suspect, Dominador Barbosa, died of illness while in jail.          – Perseus Echeminada