Abra police chief replaced

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — The police chief of Abra has been replaced following violent incidents that have occurred in the province since the start of the campaign period.

Col. Froiland Lopez replaced Col. Gilbert Fati-ig, who served as Abra police director for only three months.

Lopez and Fati-ig are members of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998 and 1995, respectively.

Lopez assumed the post on Tuesday following a ceremony held at the provincial police headquarters.

The Commission on Elections has been urged to place Abra under Comelec control due to the rising poll-related violent incidents.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the Comelec is monitoring the situation in Abra.

Meanwhile, the chief of the Sta. Ana police in Cagayan died in a vehicular accident on Tuesday afternoon.

Maj. Ranolfo Gabatin died while being treated in a hospital, according to Capt. Sheila Joy Fronda, information officer of the Cagayan police.

Fronda said Gabatin, who was in a Toyota Vios, was traveling in Barangay Rapuli when a van rear-ended his car.

Gabatin reportedly lost control of the wheel, causing his vehicle to roll over. He suffered injuries in the head and body.

Police arrested the van driver, identified as Joseph Munzon.