Bersamins laud arrest order for Valera; Manhunt on for former Abra gov

By Dexter A. See

BANGUED, Abra – The Bersamin family here has hailed a decision of the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City to order the arrest of former Abra Gov. Vicente “Vicsyd” Valera who was tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Rep. Luis “Chito” Bersamin on Dec. 16, 2006.

Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin said his family is happy over prosecution of cases against Valera and the other accused is moving.

But he said his family will leave to the court the matter of determining Valera’s involvement and culpability in the case.

He expressed confidence the law will take its course in the case of the former governor.
Rep. Bersamin was shot dead in front of the Mount Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 16, 2006.

The case changed the political landscape in conflict-stricken Abra, and this catapulted Bersamin to the governorship of the province.

Valera, his aides Jerry Torquisa and Leo Bruno are facing charges of double murder and frustrated murder at the Quezon City RTC for the killing of Rep. Bersamin and his bodyguard SPO1 Adelpho Ortega and the wounding of his driver, Allan Sawadan.

Several individuals, who were linked by the police to the murder of Bersamin, were arrested one after the other in the past three years.

The former governor and his aides, who are reportedly in hiding, are now the subject of a manhunt launched by composite police teams.

The slain lawmaker is a brother of Governor Bersamin and Supreme Court Associate Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin.

He was shot to death while he was boarding his vehicle after attending the wedding of his niece at the Mount Carmel Church in QC.

After Rep. Bersamin was assassinated, local residents and officials of the province renewed their commitment to uphold the prevalence of lasting peace in their respective areas of jurisdiction to perk up economic growth in the area.

Gov. Bersamin said while lasting peace in the province is difficult to achieve in a short time, long-term efforts are now being exerted to put an end to the seemingly endless violence that had tainted the image of Abra.