MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Oscar Albayalde has ordered the relief of Negros Oriental’s top policeman as well as police chiefs of three towns over the death of 14 local farmers during a string of operations.
The incident occurred at dawn last Saturday after authorities served arrest warrants to suspected criminals who allegedly fought back.
Ordered to be relieved from their posts were Negros Oriental police chief Col. Raul Taraca, Canlaon City police chief Lt. Col. Patricio Degay, Manjuyod police chief Lt. Kevin Mamaradlo and Sta. Catalina police chief Capt. Michael Rubia.
The relief order was issued to give way to the investigation in connection with the bloody operation.
“Yes, we are expecting it. We are open for further investigation, however, we have also directed our Regional IAS (Internal Affairs Service) to conduct their own investigation for that incident,” said Police Regional Office 7 Regional Director BGen. Debold Sinas.
Makabayan Solons and Human rights advocate earlier tagged the incident as a massacre. They also called for an investigation into the incident, noting that claims of resisting arrest “need to be tried before courts to ensure that there are no lapses and ascertain if the circumstances really warrant the offense from the police.”
Malacañang on Monday insisted that the operation conducted by police against loose firearm and suspected hitmen and supporters of the New People’s Army was legitimate.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, believes police should be given the chance to prove the claim that the police operation was indeed legal.
“Huwag tayong madala doon sa mga propaganda because you may have noticed ‘yung mga maiingay ’yung mga tinatawag nating front organizations,” he said. – Robie de Guzman (with details from Ryan Mallari)
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