CEBU, Philippines - Toledo City mayoral candidate, former senator Sonny Osmeña, is asking for the relief of Toledo City Police Chief Henry Biñas for allegedly being biased for incumbent mayor Rudy Espinosa.
But since this could not be done immediately, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Marcelo Garbo promised to send 24 policemen who will be under the direct supervision of PRO 7.
During the 888 news forum yesterday at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Osmeña said that Garbo is yet to fulfill this promise.
Osmeña's bodyguard was shot dead last month and this prompted him to ask for additional security forces for the rest of the election period.
Osmeña also said there were a number of election-related incidents in the city that have not reached the media and were not acted upon by Biñas.
"PNP force in Toledo is totally under the control of the Espinosa-Zambo clan," Osmeña said.
During his meeting with Garbo, he was told that under the Local Government Code, replacing a police chief would require the incumbent mayor to choose one from among three names.
Osmeña said he understands the process and he knows that replacing Biñas is not possible before the election.
As a compromise, Garbo instead promised to send additional men to secure the city. But until now, the augmentation force has not arrived.
Toledo City is one of the cities included in the Comelec Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAS).
Osmeña said he is willing to sign the peace covenant with his opponent to ensure a peaceful election.
But he said the police have to arrest first the killer of his aide. – (FREEMAN)