MANILA, Philippines – Maguindanao police commander Senior Superintendent Alexis Lineses was relieved yesterday for allegedly failing to arrest militiamen linked to the murder of 57 people in Maguindanao last year.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa temporarily replaced Lineses with General Santos City police chief Senior Superintendent Marcelo Pintac.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Garcia Latag said Lineses was relieved upon the request of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. “It was Secretary De Lima who requested the PNP deputy chief to relieve Lineses upon the request of the victims’ lawyer Nena Santos,” he said.
“Camp Crame immediately relieved Lineses last Wednesday.”
Maguindanao Gov. Ismael Mangudadatu has accused Lineses of inaction in arresting the suspects in the murder of his wife Genalyn, sisters, lawyers and friends from the media.
Lineses was unable to arrest militiamen identified with the Ampatuans who have been seen roaming around Maguindanao, he added.
Lineses is still taking orders from the Ampatuans, who were linked to the murders, Mangudadatu alleged.
However, Lineses said he has been enforcing the law in Maguindanao without fear and favor. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Rose Tamayo-Tesoro, Edu Punay