Puerto Princesa police chief relieved for ‘maltreatment’ of DENR personnel

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of Puerto Princesa City Police Office has been relieved from his post over the alleged “maltreatment” of personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said he already ordered Mimaropa police director Brig. Gen. Nicerio Obaob to relieve Col. Marion Balonglong as Puerto Princesa police chief in Palawan.

“The allegations against Balonglong are serious and his relief is an administrative action to preclude any possibility of undue influence in the ongoing investigation,” Gamboa said in a statement Saturday.

Obaob, meanwhile, vowed to investigate the accusations against Balonglong.

Sought for more details on the allegations against Balonglong, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said they are still probing the specifics of the report.