Sulu police commander sacked over poll violence

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has relieved one of its ranking officials in Sulu for his failure to control the violence in the province during the May 13 automated elections.

During the final assessment of the polls security preparations on Thursday, PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima announced that he ordered the relief of Sulu Police Provincial director Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra.

Purisima noted that Freyra was relieved for failing to control the situation in his province during the conduct of the elections.

"Hindi (na nya) makontrol ang mga tao," the PNP chief said during the assessment briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, which was attended by the PNP top brass and media people.

Purisima designated Senior Superintendent Roberto Kuinisala as officer-in-charge of the sulu provincial police office.

Last May 13, several election related incidents erupted in parts of Sulu, including the encounter of warring clans which resulted to the deaths of four persons and wounding several others.