Negros town police chief, 2 cops sacked for escorting mayor

CEBU CITY—The police chief and two policemen of Pulupandan town in Negros Occidental were relieved on Tuesday for allegedly acting as escorts of Mayor Magdaleno Peña when the mayor went to the provincial capitol on Monday to pick a fight.

Senior Superintendent Celestino Guara, Negros Occidental police director, said Pulupandan police chief Senior Inspector Edcel Balibadlan, Police Officer 3 Ronald Palacios and PO2 Lelanie Lagoting were relieved pending investigation of reports, including TV footage, showing them accompanying the mayor. Senior Insp. Anthony Grande has been named acting Pulupandan police chief.

The Commission on Elections approved the relief of the officers, according to Wil Arceno, provincial elections supervisor. Arceno said election rules allow police escorts only for governors and congressmen.

Balibadlan said he was not acting as escort of the mayor and had even tried to pacify Peña, who scolded him.

Peña also denied that the officers were serving as his escorts when he went to the provincial capitol. “Maybe they wanted to watch the debate so they went to the capitol,” said Peña.

The mayor said he went to the capitol alone. According to reports, however, the mayor arrived past 10 a.m. on Monday followed by a police car carrying Balibadlan and the mayor’s staff.

Peña had gone to the capitol on Monday to challenge Jose Ma. Valencia, chief of staff of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., to a boxing bout at the social hall.

Wearing what he called his Jean-Claude Van Damme outfit, Peña flexed his muscles and, followed by Balibadlan, two policemen and some members of his staff, went straight to the social hall of the capitol shouting, “Joval, make my day!”