Calbayog police chief axed over mayor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Calbayog City police has been removed from his post in connection with the killing of Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and the supposed attempt of the head of the intelligence unit to profile lawyers of alleged communists.

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday announced the relief of Lt. Col. Neil Montaño and nine other non-commissioned officers of the city police.

Eleazar said the decision to relieve Montaño effective yesterday was concurred in by PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas.

“These two unfortunate incidents are currently under investigation and Montaño was ordered relieved for command responsibility,” Eleazar said.

Montaño was replaced by Lt. Col. Rodolfo Albotra.

On Friday, Lt. Fernando Calabria Jr., chief of the city police intelligence unit, was also dismissed from his post for asking the Calbayog Regional Trial Court for a list of names of lawyers of suspected communists.

Calabria was replaced by Maj. Ruel Burlat.

The PNP described Calabria’s action as irresponsible.

The nine non-commissioned officers were transferred to the Samar provincial police and would undergo a “refresher seminar” based on the recommendation of the Eastern Visayas police.

Meanwhile, Maj. Marino Estoño was designated new company commander of the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force based in Calbayog.

Estoño’s designation was intended to ease the tension and fear among the residents caused by Aquino's murder.

“This reorganization is intended not only to improve the investigation and intelligence capacity of the Calbayog City police in the light of the incidents that happened, but also to infuse new ideas and strategies on peace and order with the deployment of new police officers in the area,” Eleazar said.

Aquino was killed along with his driver and two police escorts last week in what was first reported as an ambush.

Police later said a shootout erupted between the mayor’s team and the officers.

Reports said Aquino suffered 39 gunshots to the head and chest. – Miriam Desacada