Sanchez asassination try: Raps filed vs Recto, 6 others

BATANGAS CITY — Batangas Gov. Armand Sanchez, together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), formally filed criminal charges yesterday against Vice Gov. Ricky Recto, three civilians, and three Magdalo soldiers for allegedly plotting the June 1 bomb attack that wounded him and killed two of his aides.

Aside from Recto, those charged with two counts of murder, one count of frustrated murder and arson were Lt. Angelbert Gay, 2Lt. Aldrin Baldonado, Lt. Junior Grade Kiram Sadava, lawyer Christopher Belmonte, Christina Antonio and Betina Balderama. Six John Does were included in the criminal complaint.

In a one-page complaint-affidavit with the Batangas City prosecutor’s office, Sanchez accused Recto and the other respondents for the failed attempt on his life and the "wrongful death" of his driver, Luisito Icaro, and police bodyguard, PO2 Eric Landicho.

Sanchez was leaving the provincial Capitol here when an explosion rocked his Hummer sports utility vehicle, seriously wounding him and killing his two aides on the spot.

The case prospered after Army Lt. Patricio Bumidang Jr., a former member of the Magdalo group behind the failed mutiny in Makati City in July 2003, implicated Recto and the other respondents in the bomb attack.

In his affidavit, Bumidang recounted that he, Belmonte, Balderama, Antonio and one Mike Yangzon met in a house at the La Vista subdivision in Quezon City sometime in March to discuss bombing attacks under "Oplan TET Offensive" to destabilize the administration of President Arroyo.

Bumidang alleged that Recto was present during the meeting, even introducing himself to the group and offering refuge to them in Batangas if their plans failed.

One of the plans, according to Bumidang, was Sanchez’s assassination for a fee, which Recto allegedly offered. The group considered Recto an alleged "possible source of funds," he said.

In filing the case, Sanchez was accompanied by municipal mayors, provincial board members, department heads and other supporters who trooped to the Justice Hall as early as 7 a.m.

Sanchez arrived at the city prosecutor’s office at exactly 10 a.m., followed by Bumidang and Sadava, who were under heavy guard, to file their respective affidavits.

Lawyer Ronaldo Geron, provincial administrator, said Sadava, who was named as one of the respondents, decided to give his own statement to back up Bumidang’s allegations.

"The prosecutors have yet to decide if Sadava could be considered a state witness for giving weight to our charges against the respondents," Geron told The STAR.

Relatives of Icaro and Landicho were also present in the filing of the criminal complaint.

Icaro’s wife, Olive, and Landicho’s mother, Florida, both expressed gratitude to the witnesses.

CIDG legal officer Virgilio Pablico said they have 10 witnesses and 18 pieces of documentary evidence that would prove conspiracy among the respondents.

In a press conference at the provincial Capitol, Sanchez said he was optimistic that the court would find Recto and the other respondents guilty of the charges.

"Magandang kinabukasan ang ating haharapin mula sa araw na ito dahil sa hustisyang naibigay sa aking mga kasamahang namatay (We will face a bright future from this day because our slain colleagues have been given justice)," Sanchez said.

Sanchez, his voice cracking occasionally, could not hide his sentiments against Recto.

"Kung ang hangad pala niya ay ang pwesto, bakit kailangan pang mag-buwis ng buhay (If he was only after my position, why should lives be lost)?" he told reporters.

"May proseso tayong dapat sundin para makamit ang hinahangad (nating) pwesto (There is a process that we should follow to get our desired position)," he added.

Sanchez accused Recto of attempting to wrest power even during the time of former governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Sanchez appealed to Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles to think twice in extending any support to Recto.

Sought for his comment, Recto told The STAR: "(They are) all lies." In an interview with radio station dzBB, Recto repeated his denial of the allegations.

"Not until I receive the complaint against me, I choose not to respond upon the advise of my lawyers," he said. — With Ed Amoroso, Jose Rodel Clapano and Cecille Suerte Felipe