Cagayan intel execs sacked over cops’ deaths

MANILA, Philippines - Blamed for the security lapse that led to the deaths of eight policemen, the regional and provincial police intelligence unit chiefs of Cagayan were relieved yesterday following investigation.

Cagayan police director Chief Superintendent Rodrigo de Gracia ordered the relief of police regional intelligence officer Senior Superintendent Joselito Cantos and provincial police intelligence officer Superintendent James Cipriano.

Regional police spokesperson Chief Inspector Andree Abella said the two police intelligence officers were relieved for their failure to monitor the activities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.

Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Gregorio Lim explained the relief of the two police officers was part of the ongoing investigation into allegations of intelligence lapses on the part of the police.

Earlier, Superintendent Dante Lobos, battalion commander of the police Special Action Force (SAF) 2nd Special Action Battalion, and Senior Inspector Ronnie Albino, head of the police 24th Special Action Company, were relieved following last Monday’s attacks.

SAF chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said the relief of Lobos and Albino would allow a thorough investigation into the attack.