THE PNP yesterday filed criminal charges against former Abra governor Vicente "Vicsyd" Valera and five others in connection with the 2006 killing of Abra Rep. Luis "Chito" Bersamin and his security escort SPO1 Adelfo Ortega outside the Mount Carmel Church in Quezon City.

Also charged with double murder and double frustrated murder charges before the QC Prose-cutor's Office were Valera's chief security officer Leo Bello, alleged gunman Jerry Turqueza, one alias Jun, a certain Jeff-Jeff, one Mel, and several John Does.

The PNP filed the cases in behalf of Charito Bersamin, the former solon's wife; and Rosalinda Ortega, the widow of SPO1 Ortega.

Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP deputy chief for administration, said the case filing stemmed from the confessions of former La Paz , Abra Vice Mayor Freddie Dupo and Sonny Taculao, the driver of the getaway motorcycle.

Taculao and Dupo were simultaneously arrested in Baras, Rizal on Oct. 20, 2007 and have since been jailed at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame together with Rufino Panday to whom the getaway motorcycle was traced.

Panday initially confessed participation in the killing then retracted his statement, claiming it was taken under duress. Evidence, however, still points to him as a participant in the assassination of Bersamin.

Supt. Franklin Mabanag of the QC Police District said Taculao and Dupo tagged Valera as the mastermind in the slaying.

Verzosa said they are now studying if Taculao and Dupo can turn state witnesses. He said he expects an arrest warrant as well as a hold-departure order against Valera shortly. - Raymond Africa