Former Abra vice mayor surfaces, denies plot to kill Bersamin

A former Abra vice mayor tagged as the one who planned the murder of Rep. Luis Bersamin Jr. surfaced Saturday to deny his and Gov. Vicente Valera’s involvement in the gunslaying. 

Freddie Dupo said over Bombo Radyo that he went into hiding for fear of reprisals after being implicated in the crime by Rufino Panday, a self-confessed lookout in the killing of Bersamin and his security aide SPO1 Adelfo Ortega.

Dupo did not reveal his location but he is believed to be hiding in the Ilocos region where he has relatives and close friends.

As this developed, Valera reneged on a promise to present himself to the Task Force Bersamin upon the advice of his lawyers.

"It is with deep regrets that at this time, I cannot yet honor your invitation for my presence to enlighten the task force on your legal stands on the information received treating on specific issues and matters relevant to the case," Valera said in a letter to the Quezon City Police District dated Jan. 5.

"I, likewise, have been advised by my lawyers to give any more comment or statement only in their presence and in the appropriate time and in the proper forum," he said.

But investigators said Valera’s refusal to shed light on the case would only spark greater suspicion.

"His refusal to show up would further create suspicion that he was hiding something. If he has nothing to hide why would he not cooperate with investigators?" a police official who requested anonymity said.

Bersamin and his security aide were gunned down outside the Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City last Dec. 16.

Panday, who is now in police custody, said he learned of Valera’s alleged P5 million contract to kill Bersamin from Dupo. "That’s not true," Dupo said of Panday’s allegations.

Valera himself went into hiding after the Bersamin assassination allegedly because of threats on his life. Police held him in late December in Quezon City for using an unregistered vehicle and for unauthorized use of a siren. They later found assorted firearms and a grenade in his car.

He was charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosive and freed on bail from Camp Crame detention after New Year.

Investigators believe the Abra governor masterminded Bersamin’s murder but admitted they have yet to gather more evidence to pin him down.

Valera earlier appealed to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Calderon to restrain his men from issuing "baseless" statements to the media against him. -With Cecille Suerte Felipe