PNP News Releases 2006

2 SUSPECTED GUNMEN OF ABRA OFFICIAL NABBED; CALDERON ASSURES SECURITY FOR GALARCE FAMILY IN CALOOCAN

PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon, ordered police authorities in Cordillera to establish a strong case against the arrested suspects in the murder of a politician in Abra over the weekend.

Calderon directed Chief Superintendent Raul Gonzales, Cordillera Regional Director, to conduct follow-up investigation into the assassination of Provincial Board member James Bersamin, 56, who was gunned down while jogging near his residence at Barangay Zone 5 in Bangued town early morning of Saturday.

Two suspects, Misael GATOC y Aquino, 39 years old, and July ALDACA y Palma, 22, were promptly arrested by police operatives. They will be charged for the murder of Bersamin.

Calderon gave specific instructions to make available all technical investigative resources for forensic processing of evidence.

Probers are eyeing political rivalry as motive behind Bersamin's assassination. Local government executives of Abra were stripped of authority to exercise supervision and control over their local police forces after Napolcom suspended their deputation in 2004 upon the PNP's recommendation due to violence resulting from intense political rivalry in the province.

Over the weekend, the Chief PNP expressed expressed confidence that it will be able to achieve significant breakthrough in the investigation of the remaining cases of unsolved murders, especially militants and media personalities.

Calderon, meanwhile, assured the family of Charles Galarce in Caloocan City of police protection following the latest incidents of violence that are believed to be part of attempts to silence him.

Galarce is a witness in the robbery-homicide of RPN-9 cameraman Ralph Ruñez in Tala, Caloocan City last July 28.

Charles survived an alleged murder attempt by his fellow gang members for refusing to take part in robbing Ruñez. He has since sought police protection.

Last week, however, Charles' father Celerino was shot dead by unknown assailants. At Celerino's wake in Barangay San Lazaro on Friday night, unidentified suspects detonated grenades killing two persons and wounding 21 others.

The Galarces fear that the gang members on the loose are out to get them.