Surigao police chiefs relieved over NPA raid

BUTUAN CITY — Surigao del Sur police director Senior Superintendent Admirante Josue and Lingig, Surigao del Sur municipal police chief Inspector Evelyn Frugalidad were relieved from their posts after about 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided the Lingig police station on Sunday and carted away armaments.

The rebels also held hostage Lingig Mayor Roberto "Jimmy" Luna.

Josue was replaced by Superintendent Arthur Sanchez while Frugalidad was replaced by Chief Inspector Felix Plaza.

Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Rene Jamolod Elumbaring, however, did not reveal the fate that awaits the 15 policemen of the Lingig, Surigao del Sur municipal police office.

The intelligence community in the Caraga Region is now investigating reports that some municipal mayors in the region are giving financial support to the communist rebels as well as firearms and ammunition.

Two municipal mayors had allegedly complained to the military that they were victimized by the NPAs despite giving monthly support to the rebels.

NPA spokesperson Ka Maria Malaya, who claimed that Caraga’s police stations are easy target, vowed to intensify attacks against the military and police establishments. — Ben Serrano