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Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Ladio behind Guerra slay?
THERE is a big possibility that former Tayug Mayor Marius Ladio was behind the ambush of slain Mayor Guerrero "Guerra" Zaragoza, the provincial police director of Pangasinan said.
"Intelligence report said former Mayor Ladio was seen talking with the NPA (New People's Army) in Lupao, Nueva Ecija," Senior Supt. Mario Sandiego said.
Sandiego said Ladio could have ask the help of the members of the NPA but there are no eyewitness that could say he was at the cockpit arena compound when Zaragoza was shot.
"There is strong indication that he is involved, but intelligence report is admissible in court," Sandiego said.
"There is no probable cause because all appear to be speculations," he added.
The provincial police director said they have already identified the perpetrators of the killing of Zaragoza but the police are still collating evidence proving that Ladio is the brains behind the crime.
He said Ladio could have done it because of the string of cases filed by Zaragoza against him during the stint of Ladio as municipal mayor.
"We are also verifying the report that Ladio already joined the NPA," he said.
Sandiego pointed out that Ladio was seen talking with the NPA rebels could be a circumstantial evidence, but it does not mean that he had already joined the communist rebel group.
"I am morally convinced it is the NPA that did it and we are identifying as what NPA group do the killers belong. We will file a case against them once we have collated strong evidence," he said.
While admitting that the suspects belong to NPA group in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, Sandiego said the police and the Army based in that province could conduct massive hot pursuit but the rebels could easily hide in the mountain.
He suspected that they have a contact in eastern Pangasinan because they were reportedly issuing safe conduct pass and soliciting revolutionary tax.
As to the denial of the NPA of having killed Zaragoza, Sandiego said their operation was virtually palpak (unsuccessful) because there were several innocent civilians who had been injured.
"It was a mistake on their part using somebody who did not know how to shoot," he said.
The police director further disclosed that they have also identified the perpetrators of the strafing of the municipal building of Tayug.
He said the three suspects are supporters of the late mayor and the police raided their residences but proved negative.
"It could be that they were depressed by the death of Zaragoza," Sandiego said.
Witnesses pointed to them as the perpetrators, he said, pointing out that Tayug is a small town the people almost know each other.
But Ladio's supporters expressed disbelief the former mayor has something to do with the killing of Zaragoza.
"They could be political foes but it is only in politics that they fought and would not resort to armed conflict," said Ladio's political consultant who requested anonymity.
He said Ladio is still intending to return to politics.
The political consultant said the former mayor left town after the elections because of the political pressure and tension in the municipality.
(July 9, 2003 issue)
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