Manila launches manhunt for man stalking Ramos

Manila launches manhunt for man stalking Ramos

MANILA (AFP): Philippine security forces have launched a manhunt for a suspected hired assassin who has been stalking President Fidel Ramos, police said yesterday.

The suspect "has been stalking the president during his provincial visits," and his motive could be "political," Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon of the Manila police said.

"We're talking of a hired killer who has been linked to murders of political figures," including several "prominent" victims, Razon said in an interview aired over radio station DZBB here.

The 70 year-old leader, barred by the constitution from a second six-year term of office, has of late been touring the provinces to boost the chances of his ally, Jose de Venecia, in the May 11 presidential election.

Earlier this month Ramos asked police to investigate allegations that opposition presidential candidate Joseph Estrada had asked a police aide in 1992 to assassinate the president.

Vice President Estrada, who is leading in opinion polls, has rejected the allegations, insisting they were part of a plot to discredit him and erode his chances of becoming the country's next leader.

Razon would not say if the stalker was linked to the Estrada allegations. "He is supported by a group, has his own financier and protector," he said without naming them.

He is apparently "waiting for an opportunity to carry out his plan. "He has been involved in other killings, but up to now he has not been arrested."

The Presidential Security Group, in charge of the personal safety of Ramos and his family, is boosting his security detail and has sought the help of the Manila police to monitor the alleged assassin's movements, Razon said.

The focus of the police dragnet shifted this week to the Davao region of the southern island of Mindanao, which Ramos is scheduled to visit today.

"We should understand the president if he makes moves to ensure his safety here in our province," House of Representatives member Alejandro Almendras told reporters in the provincial capital Digos.

He said Ramos would avoid shaking hands with local residents as he normally does during provincial sorties.

The army has received specific instructions to secure the presidential party, said spokesman Major Rosque Garingalao, describing the operation as tighter than usual.

"I cannot say that it is because of the rumored assassination attempt on the president," he said.

Police checkpoints have appeared along major arteries to southern cities to be visited by Ramos. Witnesses said all vehicles were being searched.

The allegations against Estrada were made earlier this month by a former high-ranking police aide, Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya.