Ecija exec survives ambush

A councilor of Gapan, Nueva Ecija was wounded while his security aide was killed in an ambush early Wednesday, which police believe had nothing to do with politics.

Councilor Elpidio "Pidyong" Ruweda has been declared out of danger, said Senior Superintendent Alex Monteagudo, Nueva Ecija police director. Police have yet to interview the councilor.

Monteagudo said Ruweda’s bodyguard, Gilbert Manguit, died on the spot due to several gunshot wounds.

"We have established leads in the case, but we cannot reveal them now. Politics had nothing to do with the ambush and we believe it’s something personal," Monteagudo told The STAR in a phone interview. "We cannot reveal it, masyadong personal."

Investigation showed that Ruweda and his bodyguards were driving along Barangay Manginok in Gapan when they were waylaid.

Scene of the crime operatives said the ambushers used M-16 rifles based on the slugs and bullets found in the crime scene and in Manguit’s body.

"We are not ruling out (politics) but that is remote as of now. It’s more on a personal matter," said Monteagudo, adding that Ruweda owns a cockpit arena.

Monteagudo said probers have been directed to speed up the investigation, identify the attackers and file charges against them in court.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon has reactivated National Task Force HOPE (honest, orderly and peaceful elections) in response to incidents of what are perceived to be pre-election violence in the run-up to the May 2007 midterm polls.

Calderon decided to revive the national task force after the ambush-slaying of Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin Jr. in Quezon City last Saturday, which many believe had something to do with 2007 elections.

Calderon said the task force will direct and supervise the overall conduct of police operations during the election period, which starts next month.

The Commission on Elections will also impose a nationwide firearms ban to be implemented by the PNP.