Belmonte assailant a communist rebel

MANILA, Philippines - The 62-year-old alleged attacker of Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte was a communist rebel trained in handling weapons and capable of carrying out such attack despite his age, a police official said yesterday.

Dominador Sumanduran Tumala, arrested in Zone 1, Lower Gasi, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental last Saturday, is physically fit and does not appear to be a typical 62-year-old, Superintendent Bernardo Mendoza, spokesman for the Northern Mindanao Police (Region 10) told The STAR.

Tumala is a resident of Purok Intramuros, Poblacion Alto, Centro Ozmina, Zamboanga del Norte and formerly a member of the New People’s Army.

Belmonte survived the attack, which came shortly after he left the Laguindingan Airport last week. Three of his men died in the ambush.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, although Belmonte voiced his suspicion that it was politically motivated.

“Initial information indicated that he was with the NPA then he was with the CAFGU, before he became a gun for hire,” Mendoza said. CAFGU stands for Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.

“We cannot underestimate him. He is very fit and well-trained in attacks. His age is not the reason why he was arrested,” he added.

The official said the investigation is now focused on unmasking the mastermind of the attack.

“We want to know who paid him to carry out the attack against the congressman,” he said.

“There is no doubt that he (Tumala) was the gunman in the ambush of Rep. Belmonte. He was the one who fired the M-16 rifle toward the direction of the vehicle of the congressman. The victims and other witnesses identified him,” said Mendoza.

The police official said witnesses identified Tumala as the gunman through a mole near his left eye. In the town where he was arrested, Tumala was said to be having difficulty finding his way around, inviting suspicion from residents.