Three top cops in Surigao del Norte sacked by PNP chief after Monday NPA attack

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome has sacked police officials from Surigao del Norte following the simultaneous attacks by rebels on three mining compounds.

Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame Tuesday, Bartolome said he relieved Surigao del Norte provincial director Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Talento, Provincial Public Safety Company commander Superintendent Rudy Cuyop, and Claver police chief Senior Inspector Diomedes Cuadra from their posts Monday.

He said he has also ordered for an investigation on how the police were not able to detect a large formation in their areas of responsibility and act even as the rebels were withdrawing.

Coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines were underway in their threat assessments on all firms in the area, be it on mining or similar industries, said Bartolome. He said they intended to find out whether other firms were experiencing similar threats.

“We will assess and check how we may be of help,” said the PNP chief. If there was a need to augment their forces in the area, it would be done, he said, adding “we can deploy troops from other regions if needed.”

He said that although police stations normally had a minimum of 20 personnel, there was always a PPSC to count on in case of attacks.

Around 300 rebels attacked three mining compounds in Claver town, Surigao del Norte.

None of the rebels have been caught as of posting time.