Rep. Herminio Teves (3rd District, Oriental Negros) has slammed the provincial Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for transferring to Cebu the witnesses to the ambush in Sitio Manluminsag, La Libertad on March 9, where a barangay captain and six civilians were killed.

Teves said the pullout on March 17 was made without permission from the Task Force Manluminsag, and police provincial director S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who heads the task force.

The witnesses were identified as Ignacia Salimbagat, Jorlan Baylon, Edencito Beli-ot, Amaida Facturan, and Julito dela Cruz. Teves said the move of the CIDG indicated an effort to hide the truth, and intended to delay the filing of the case. He said he believes that somebody very powerful was behind it.

The solon said he is convinced that the incident was politically motivated, considering the intense rivalry in the first district of the province.

Among those killed was Aya Barangay Captain Lydio Baylon, a known staunch supporter of La Libertad Mayor Josie Limkaichiong.

Earlier, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army had owned up to the killing, saying the village chief has been active in helping the Philippine Army, and was anti-people.

The ambush took place while the victims were on board a government-owned truck. Among the passengers were children.

Teves tagged the incident a managed ambush made to appear that it was done by the NPA. He said the NPA will not fire, knowing that there were children on the truck.

He challenged the police to move and ensure that a case will be filed against those responsible for the ambush.

Teves claimed that the CIDG is under the supervision of the Department of Interior and Local Government headed by Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Puno, the national chairman of KAMPI Party, possibly wanted to ensure that their candidates in the first district will be protected from any suspicion.

Up to presstime yesterday, the task force confirmed that the witnesses had not been returned to their custody, despite the earlier assurance from the CIDG. Buenafe vowed to gather evidence, ensure the security of the witnesses, and protect them from any threat.*MA

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