Lady mayor asks relief of town PNP chief
A police chief who could not police his turf.
This was just one of the accusations hurled against Senior Insp. Bonifacio Ancajas who was asked to be relieved as San Enrique Police Station chief.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Senior Supt. Renato Gumban confirmed that Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez-Tupas requested for Ancajas’ relief.
Fernandez-Tupas, who clinched another fresh term as San Enrique mayor, also claimed that the town police chief also showed some biases, especially during the elections.
Gumban admitted that he received complainants that Ancajas was taking side, especially during the stand off that happened between supporters of Tupas and her political opponent, Rolando Cordero, during the election at Brgy. Garita.
“He can’t control the situation in Brgy. Garita. He also showed that he was not on top of the situation during another sticky episode at the municipal police station,” Gumban admitted.
For now, IPPO is yet to announce Ancajas’ successor.
It can be noted that a stand-off occurred between Tupas’ and Cordero’s supporters at around 5:30 p.m. of May 10.
The incident stemmed when hundreds of supporters of Tupas and mayoralty bet Rolando Cordero figured in a faced at Brgy. Garita, some 8 kilometers from San Enrique town.
Both camps accused each other of harassing their local leaders and supporters who were in front of the voting center.
On board several vehicles, the two groups made a maneuver until they created a traffic deadlock.
One hour later, San Enrique PNP led by Senior Insp. Ancajas responded to the scene and tried to negotiate for a peaceful resolution of the stand off.
However, the local police claimed that their request fell on deaf ears.
At this juncture, Ancajas requested for reinforcement from the Iloilo Provincial Public Safety Management Company.
Police claimed that they received information alleging that the passengers of the three vehicles – a blue Nissan Safari, and an old black Chevrolet pick-up – are suspected members of private armed groups.
It was only when Gumban arrived that policemen confiscated the three vehicles.
When the vehicles were inspected at the police station, police authorities, in the presence of the municipal election officer, members of the media, and representatives from both political parties, recovered four M-16 armalite rifles, a homemade shot gun, two caliber .38 revolvers, two hand grenades, assorted magazines and ammunitions, and campaign materials for a local candidate.
Seventeen persons, who are alleged supporters of Tupas, were arrested and charged for possession of high-powered firearms, ammunitions, and explosives.
