Assassination attempt suspects on Masbate governor identified

LEGAZPI CITY – Police have identified an ex-militiaman and a former cook for communist rebels as suspects in the assassination attempt Sunday on Masbate Gov. Elisa Kho.

Chief Superintendent Paterno Bangui, Bicol police director, said the suspects were Joel Atibago who was a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit or CAFGU; and a certain Yabit Yanson who reportedly used to cook for New People’s Army rebels.

Kho and her security escorts were in a convoy in Cataigan on their way to Masbate when alleged communist rebels detonated two roadside bombs before noon Sunday.

The explosion sent shards of broken glass flying slightly injuring Kho and one of her escorts. She was treated of her wounds at the family-owned Khokak Beach resort in Cata­ingan, Masbate.

Bangui, quoting Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Bicol, said the NPA’s Jose Rapsing Command was responsible for the ambush.

But Bañares claimed it was the 507 Police Provincial Group vehicle which was the suspects’ target. He even apologized to the governor.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this dastardly act committed against the highest official in Masbate,” Bangui said yesterday at a press conference at Camp General Simeon Ola.

“Conducting an ambush and asking a mere apology is beyond the norms of civilized society which only shows the ruthless character of the CPP/NPA/NDF,” he said.

Bangui said government forces were pursuing the rebels who reportedly fled to the direction of Barangays San Rafael and Caduluan in Cataigan, Masbate.

Bangui said that Western Samar police have also been alerted of a possible confrontation with the suspects.

Political terrorism

In Laguna, the lawyer for the family of Kho said the slay try was an act of political terrorism.

“Fortunately, Doctora Olga only suffered minor injuries, proof that the fates do not favor those with evil intentions,” lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said.

He said the ambush could not have been perpetrated by the NPA.

“Masbate is a stronghold of the Khos and that there is “zero-insurgency” in the province, Topacio told The STAR.

Topacio said that the governor’s husband Rep. Antonio Kho said politics may be the motive behind the assassination attempt. – With James Mananghaya, Cecille Suerte Felipe