Since January 2007

Samar mourns for its 8th victim of murder, politicians’ raid yield high powered ammo

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
February 20, 2007

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  After a lull of some two weeks in the series of killings, Samar is once again mourning the loss of one Honorable Vivencio Ellantos, 49 a municipal councilor of San Jose de Buan town, some 60 kilometers from the capital town of Catbalogan , Samar.

Capt. Jose Mario Chico of 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar confirmed the report of the 46th Infantry Battalion stationed in San Jose de Buan but did not release details pending upon verification of the army.

DYMS Reporter Lady Camelot, whose sources come from San Jose de Buan, said that the incident happened on February 19, at 5:00pm. The victim was murdered in his very home. Said councilor has been known for his strong stand against the leftist group in his town located in a remote and hilly terrain at the heart of Samar Island.

The Catbalogan Cable TV Media Advocates Nucleus (CCATMAN) in the daily radio program "Panginano-a Daw" over DYMS discussed that the killing has been the 8th since Agoy Daclitan was liquidated by alleged NPA death squad in the crowded Imelda Park in Catbalogan.

Like Daclitan the ANAD coordinator, Daram Mayor Benito Astorga, Doming de Luna and others, a .45 caliber pistol has also ended the life of Ellantos. Hitmen were described to be young and precise in their movement for a kill, witnesses told the media. Witnesses though could not positively identify the criminals as they moved and escaped swiftly.

Samar has been hurting with the loss of unnecessary lives. Others relate the killings to the coming elections while others believe these are still unfinished business to quell the legal front of the leftist groups.

Catbaloganons have just united on Friday for Prayer for Peace and Justice Rally which was well attended. Organizers have prayed doubly hard for the Samareños to expel and denounce the culture of violence pervading in the province.

Observers have reason to believe that politics is behind the killings. Previous police intelligence reports showed that some politicians in Samar maintain private armies.

In a related development, Police Region 8 Deputy Director Gen. Teodorido Lapuz lV and Samar PNP Director PSSupt. Asdali Idja Abah presented to media assorted firearms seized from the house of Gandara Town Mayor Antonieto Cabueños on Thursday evening (February 15).

The raid was conducted by a composite police team from the Regional Office through a search warrant issued by Judge Efren Abando of the Hilongos Regional Trial Court in response to the government’s effort of pursuing loose firearms and partisan armed groups (PAG) maintained by some politicians.