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.