Vizcaya town cop chief axed over subordinate's slay

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The police chief of a southern town in this province has been relieved of his post following the Christmas Day killing of one of his men by a supposedly drunk colleague.

Chief Inspector Chevalier Iringan has been designated over the weekend as police chief of Aritao town, replacing Chief Inspector Roberto Aldea, who was recalled to the regional police headquarters in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Senior Superintendent Elmer Beltejar, provincial police director, said Aldea’s relief came as a result of the pre-dawn fatal shooting last Dec. 25 of PO3 Edwin Marabut, and the wounding of PO2 Tomas Luis.

The two policemen were on board a patrol car to respond to a stabbing incident when they were shot.

The suspect, PO3 Roberto Discipulo, is now locked up in jail and is facing murder and frustrated murder charges as well as summary dismissal proceedings.

Discipulo earlier said he thought that he was being kidnapped after being roused from sleep at the back of the patrol car. With this in mind, he drew his firearm and shot his colleagues, an alibi that Aldea reportedly supported.

This angered Beltejar and Chief Superintendent Rodrigo de Gracia, regional police director, especially after learning that some Aritao policemen, including Discipulo, were reportedly drunk when they responded to the stabbing incident.

There were reports that Discipulo and the victims had an altercation while they were having fun with their colleagues on Christmas Eve.

“We will not tolerate such behavior of our policemen. (Discipulo) has to face the consequences of his action. He has to substantiate his alibi,” Beltejar said.