Tarlac town police chief sacked

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – The chief of police of Paniqui, Tarlac has been relieved from his post for leading a raid on the municipal town hall last week to install a new mayor who won through a questionable recount of votes in the 2013 elections.

Officials at Camp Olivas regional police headquarters here confirmed yesterday the relief of Superintendent Carlito Grijaldo, who was replaced by Superintendent Salvador Destura.

Grijaldo’s relief has helped eased tension at the municipal hall, whose first floor is occupied by supporters of new Mayor Rommel David while suspended Mayor Miguel Cojuangco-Rivilla, a cousin of President Aquino, and his designated acting mayor stay on the second floor.

Rivilla’s spokesperson Marianne Mananzan said David, who lost to Rivilla in the last mayoral polls, claimed to have been sworn in by a local judge following a recount of votes.

Mananzan said David along with Grijaldo and their men allegedly stormed the town hall last week.

She said Rivilla’s supporters who were at the municipal hall prevented David’s group from getting near the suspended mayor.

Rivilla has asked Aquino to help ease the tension.

David, of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, claimed to have recently taken his oath of office before a Tarlac City judge and Grijaldo.

He lost by over 3,000 votes to Rivilla who ran as an independent.

David filed a protest that led to a recount of votes.