'Abducted' Zambo City cop chief replaced

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city's acting police commander who was briefly held by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) while negotiating for the release of 23 rebels has been officially relieved from his post.

The designation of Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo as officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga City Police Office was terminated last Tuesday when he requested for leave.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of the regional police office, said Malayo was replaced by Senior Superintendent Dennis Basngi.

Malayo, who was assigned and solved the string cases of shooting incidents here since late July, ended up being taken hostage by the rebels in an attempt to convince a group of MNLF fighters to surrender last September 17.

Huesca said the relief of Malayo was part of the police administrative process “where he should be given a break after the commendable and grueling efforts he showed during the stand-off.”

Huesca said it was also Malayo’s birthday last Wednesday.

“The services he rendered during his stint as Officer-In-Charge of Zamboanga City is meritorious, invaluable and exceptional.  The Philippine National Police also recognizes his effort in persuading 24 MNLF rebels to surrender during the stand-off,” Huesca added.

Meanwhile, Huesca said that Malayo has yet to submit reports on the Zamboanga City standoff to Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Police Office directdor Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño.

The end of the standoff was declared by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last Saturday.