BANGUED, Abra (Jan. 25) — Governor Vicente P. Valera on Thursday, arrived for the first time since he was named the mastermind in the killing of Abra Rep. Luis “Chito” Bersamin on December 16, 2006.

Accompanied by his wife and Bangued Mayor Ma. Zita Valera and followed by their entourage numbering to around a hundred he proceeded and addressed his jubilant supporters and capitol employees numbering to around 300 telling them he was innocent on the charges that he masterminded the killing of Congressman Bersamin.

In his hour-long address Valera claimed he is innocent and that he was just framed up bymembers of the Philippine National Police – Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG), who allegedly discovered guns and a grenade in his unregistered brand new Chevrolet Suburban SUV in Quezon City. He alleged that those arresting men of the TMG have stolen his valuables and cash contained in his clutch bag. He alleged that a total of P270,000 was missing from his four credit cards believed to have been withdrawn by the same arresting TMG officers.

In trying to clear his name, Valera explained that around three weeks before Bersamin’s assassination, his party sensed that unidentified men were tailing at them. He also claimed that government intelligence forces tipped him that he and Bersamin are target for assassinations by unidentified groups.

Valera further explained that he cut short his attendance at the church wedding of their niece in Mount Carmel Church in Quezon City because of the threat against his life. Bersamin was among the primary sponsors in that wedding. He was murdered outside the church together with his body guard just after the wedding.

“There must be a third party trying to destroy our credibility so they could easily run for positions this coming May 2007 elections,” Valera expounded in Ilocano.

The killing of Bersamin, Abra representative, and Board Member James Bersamin earlier in November 2006 are believed to be politically-motivated. Luis and James are distant relatives.

Before ending his talk, Valera,announced that he and his wife will “definitely run under the administration ticket.” this 2007 election, but the decision on what position to seek mandate for will “depend on the people of Abra.”

Valera enjoined the people of Abra to “pray that the truth will prevail.” # Joseph C. Pangket for NORDIS