Police chief of Laguna town sacked

MANILA, Philippines - The police chief of San Pedro, Laguna was relieved from his post yesterday morning after two persons were killed in a P.4-million robbery in Barangay San Antonio Friday.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Calabarzon police director, said he ordered Superintendent Ramon Ramirez replaced by Superintendent Kirby John Kraft as officer-in-charge.

The killing of Reginaldo Tayag, 28, a son of the owner of La Felonila Scrap dealer; and Noel Natividad, 40, the firm’s secretary, after they withdrew P400,000 from a bank on their way to work follows a series of crimes in San Pedro that occurred only two or three days apart in the past two weeks.

In the last week of March, five robbers held up a pawnshop in Barangay San Vicente and carted away an undetermined amount of cash and valuables from depositors.

A few days later, a hostage-taker was killed and two persons, including a policeman, were hurt.

Pagdilao said Ramirez will be assigned under Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, Laguna provincial director.

Pagdilao told The STAR he instructed Kraft to set up a 24-hour checkpoint in all the entrances and exits in San Pedro and increase police visibility.

Pagdilao also reminded all provincial directors and chiefs of police across the Calabarzon region to intensify their campaign against crimes in their areas of jurisdiction.