Cavite police chief sacked

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Cavite provincial police director Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel was relieved from his post yesterday.

He was replaced by Senior Superintendent Jonnel Estomo as officer-in-charge of the Cavite police office.

A turnover ceremony will be led by Chief Superintendent Edwin Erni, deputy regional director for administration, and Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla at Camp General Pantaleon Garcia in Imus City today.

A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, said politics and some individuals hurt by Esquivel’s campaigns against crime and illegal drugs were behind the official’s ouster.

In a phone interview, Esquivel confirmed to The STAR that he was removed from his post, but refused to give details or comment on the matter. He said he would obey his superior’s order for him to vacate his post.

The Cavite police has neutralized robbery gangs and arrested drug pushers in Imus, Silang, Bacoor, Dasmariñas City and Cavite City.