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Date: 09 July 2013
Source: The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale yesterday revealed that there was an assassination plot against her prior to the May 13 elections and she only learned about this a few weeks ago.

Magpale, who was then acting governor because of the six-month suspension of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, said the threat explains the number of policemen deployed to secure her during the campaign sorties she attended in Santander and Bogo City.

“I thought General (Marcelo) Garbo was only overreacting. I thought it was standard for governors and acting Governors,” she said.

But she connected the dots after she was told three weeks ago that there was a threat on her life.

Magpale said Garbo did not tell her during the election period so that she would not be bothered.

She said the police are now conducting a thorough investigation on the matter.

An alleged gun-for-hire is reportedly in the custody of the police and has issued an affidavit about the job he was hired for.   Gov. Hilario Davide expressed concern on Magpale’s security.

“I am very concerned about this report that there is an assassination plot against Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.  I took this up with Gen. Garbo when I met him earlier today  (yesterday) and made a verbal request to him to beef up the vice governor’s security amidst this threat,” Davide said.

Magpale’s son, PB Member Miguel Magpale, said they have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of his mother even before, during and after the elections.

“We also have primary suspects on who are involved in the plot but we have chosen not to disclose their identities as of the moment.  The President as well as out other allies are aware of the situation,”  Miguel said.

Yesterday, Garbo, who is the Police Regional Office (PRO)7 director, visited Magpale’s office to furnish her a copy of the affidavit of the suspected gunman and also to discuss with her the information gathered by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 7.

Other details in the affidavit were kept confidential but Magpale confirmed that it stated “assassination plot against Magpale.”

She said the “job” was supposed to be done 15 days before the election.

Garbo’s life was also reportedly threatened.

Magpale said the suspect  admitted that he was recruited by someone for the price of P500,000.

In a press conference, Garbo said she only informed Magpale about the threat yesterday.

“I just let her know kanina (yesterday) nagulat siya pero ayaw ko lang na matakot siya,” Garbo said.

Garbo said PRO 7 will be providing covert security detail to Magpale and they will also grant additional uniformed security officer if she asks for it.

Presently, Magpale has only one security detail.  (FREEMAN)