MANILA, Philippines — The provincial police director of Negros Oriental has been relieved of his duties in relation to the recent killings in the province.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac on Wednesday confirmed that Negros Oriental Police Provincial Director Col. Raul Tacaca has been relieved from his duties.
In a statement, Banac said that Tacaca’s relief from his position “will give way to an impartial probe on possible lapses by his administration in light of several high profile killings in the province for the past several days.”
Tacaca’s relief comes after the fatal shootings in the province over the past few days of 14 people including a former mayor and a councilor.
READ: Former mayor, three others killed in separate Negros Oriental shootings
The 14th victim was killed at a public market in broad daylight last Sunday,
READ: 14th victim killed as Negros Oriental bloodbath continues
With Tacaca’s relief from his post, PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters that he has assigned Col. Angelito Dumangeng as officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police.
“We assure the public that the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental is under control and our police units there remain on full alert to prevent occurrence of crimes,” Banac said. /muf