Mindoro gov denies hand in ambuscades

Mindoro Occidental Gov. Jose Villarosa denied yesterday reports that he had a hand in the twin slay attempts on his political rival, Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato.

In a press conference, Villarosa, who is seeking a second term, said he decided to break his silence because of perceptions in Metro Manila that his province is an election "hot spot."

Sato escaped unharmed when her convoy was fired upon in Sablayan town last Thursday. She survived a similar ambush last March 3.

The New People’s Army has admitted responsibility for both attacks. It claimed it was only after the military vehicles in Sato’s convoy during last Thursday’s ambush.

Villarosa claimed that Sato wanted to picture Mindoro Occidental as "violence-prone" and thus, should be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections.

Although he welcomes such a move, he said he fears it might discourage investors.

"I’m inviting anybody to witness the real political situation in Mindoro Occidental. The alleged ambuscades on Sato are all political gimmicks," he said.

Villarosa alleged that Sato merely wanted to "gain public sympathy."

He brushed aside Sato’s allegations that he is coddling NPA guerrillas in the province.

Sato could not be reached for comment. — Nestor Etolle