Santo Tomas, Pangasinan PNP chief relieved, probed

By Liezle Basa Inigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan –– Provincial Police Director Col. Redrico Maranan relieved Thursday Capt. Peter Paul Sison, chief of police of Sto. Tomas town, after it was revealed in a social media post that Sto. Tomas Mayor Timoteo Villar was able to celebrate his birthday despite the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Maranan said he ordered the immediate relief of Sion to make way for an impartial investigation into the incident which had been caught on video and has since gone viral on social media.

Maranan also said Sison, Villar, and the other persons seen in the video will be subject to investigation for violation of ECQ protocols, such as the ban on mass gatherings and observance of social distancing.

Likewise, the police official said, probers were also preparing the necessary documents needed in filing criminal and administrative charges against the violators.

Maranan also gave the assurance that the PNP will not tolerate its own personnel and other top government officials who may have violated existing laws.

Villar denied organizing his birthday party last May 6 and said that people just went to his house to greet him.