Police chief sacked over unsolved slays

By Mydz Supnad

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – Ilocos police director Chief Supt. Franklin Jesus Bucayu has relieved the chief of police of Tubao, La Union over unsolved killings and other crimes in the town. 

Bucayu said Tubao Mayor Dante Garcia has been informed of the removal of Senior Insp. Luis Liban following the killing of a lawyer and a barangay official.

Senior Insp. Benigno Sumawang, human resource development division officer of La Union police, was designated officer in- charge in the absence of a qualified police–commissioned officer assigned at the Tubao police station.

Senior Supt. Ramon Purugganan, La Union police director, said the peace and order situation in Tubao needs new police leadership. 

“Peace and order in Tubao has been adversely affected by the growing number of unsolved killings and other crimes in the past two months, including the ambush attempt on Mayor Garcia,” Purugganan said.

He also cited the killing of barangay councilman Rodolfo Estoque and former vice mayor Lazaro Gayo.

 Liban will face a probe board of the La Union police.

Bucayu said regional police office has launched a relentless drive against criminality, especially in preparation for next year’s elections.

The said town has been adversely affected by the growing number of unsolved killings and other crime incidents that happened in the past two months wherein incumbent Mayor Dante Garcia was ambushed but  unharmed by still unknown suspects.

 Rodolfo Estoque, a barangay kagawad was shot to death while lawyer Lazaro Gayo, a former vice mayor and an aspiring candidate for Sangguniang Panlalawigan was also gunned down.

Liban will face an inquiry board organized and activated by LUPPO to determine if there were lapses in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities.