‘Illegal acts’ lead to Nueva Ecija police chief’s relief

By Manny Galvez

CABANATUAN CITY – Nueva Ecija police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Cornel has been relieved from his post over alleged illegal activities.

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, said Cornel was placed on floating status at the regional police headquarters at Camp Olivas.

Senior Supt. Antonio Yarra took over the post vacated by Cornel on Dec. 10 and held his first command conference Tuesday.

Aquino said Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered Cornel’s relief amid reports linking the former provincial police chief to illegal activities. He did not elaborate.

Asked for comment, Cornel said: “I myself don’t know the reasons why I was relieved.”

A source said Cornel could be a victim of a demolition job, noting that he was credited for the successful campaign against criminality and illegal drugs, including the surrender of 21,541 suspected drug users and pushers in Nueva Ecija.

At least 668 of the 731 barangays affected by illegal drugs in the province had also been declared drug-free.