Ilocos Sur police chief relieved

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao has relieved the police director of Ilocos Sur to pave the way for an "impartial investigation" into the failed slay attempt on a local opposition leader.

Relieved was Senior Superintendent Mario Subagan who, however, earlier had denied any hand in the April 29 attack on Nestor Segismundo.

Segismundo told Lomibao, who visited him in a local hospital the other day, that his tirades in a radio station against provincial police officials on illegal gambling and other issues could have motivated the attempt on his life.

Subagan earlier admitted having had disagreements with Segismundo over certain issues.

Lomibao assured Segismundo of a speedy and impartial probe with the creation of Task Force Segismundo by Chief Superintendent Alfredo de Vera, Ilocos regional police director.

Segismundo was shot in the abdomen in front of his house in Barangay Boquig, Bantay, Ilocos Sur on the night of April 29. — Cecille Suerte Felipe