'Replace Maguindanao top cop'

MANILA, Philippines - Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said he would ask Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa to replace the provincial police director for failing to arrest civilian volunteers of the Ampatuan clan involved in last year’s massacre of 57 people, mostly journalists.

Mangudadatu said he has been receiving information that a number of these civilian volunteers have been roaming around the province, but Senior Superintendent Alex Lineses has failed to arrest them.

He said he would send his letter of request to Verzosa, alleging that Lineses could still be taking orders from the Ampatuans, who have been implicated in the carnage. 

For his part, Lineses maintained that he has been enforcing the law in Maguindanao without fear or favor.