Masbate town’s entire police force sacked

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The entire police force of Batuan, Masbate – its chief and his 22 men – has been relieved from their posts for releasing at least 15 fishermen caught using an illegal method of fishing reportedly upon the prodding of the town’s mayor, a regional police official confirmed yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Renato Bataller, Bicol police spokesman, said the relief order was issued by Chief Superintendent Clarence Guinto, regional police director, and concurred in by the Commission on Elections.

Bataller said Guinto sacked Inspector Dedimo Ibañez, Batuan police chief, and his 22 men after confirming reports that the 15 fishermen caught in Barangay Sawang last April 5 were freed four days later allegedly through the intercession of Batuan Mayor Charlie Yuson.

Bataller said the Batuan police officers were sent back to Camp Simeon Ola here and were replaced by personnel of the Regional Public Safety Battalion led by Inspector Jan King Calipay, who assumed as Batuan police chief.

Guinto, according to Bataller, “wants to send a message that the police leadership is serious in its campaign to implement the law. He also wants this (relief order) to serve as a warning to all concerned.”