Filtered By: Topstories
News

Tension grips Cavite after shootout; police chief relieved


Tension continues to grip a town in Cavite province Tuesday, a day after two people were killed and two others injured in a shootout between authorities and supporters of a congressman in front of the police station. Bacoor police chief Superintendent Ramil Montilla was relieved of his post, following Monday's shootout between police and military authorities and supporters of Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, Radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported. Security remained on high alert at the station as police braced for a possible reprisal from Abaya's supporters. One of those killed in Monday's incident was retired Col. Arnulfo Obilios, Abaya's chief of staff. Also killed was a Philippine Marines sergeant. Abaya's supporters claimed they asked the Commission on Elections to place Bacoor under Comelec control due to the recent strafing of houses of some of Abaya’s supporters by unidentified men, according to the dzBB report. Abaya's camp also alleged that the police "abducted" 11 of the congressman’s supporters that prompted Monday's "visit" to the police station. Philippine National Police chief (PNP) Director General Jesus Verzosa said the incident was a case of political rivalry, based on initial investigation. "This appeared to be a cause of political rivalry. It is high time we review if our culture pertaining to elections is proper," Verzosa said in an interview on dzBB radio. Special investigation PNP Deputy Director General Edgardo Acuña said a task force is now conducting a special investigation to shed light into Monday's shootout in Bacoor. Acuña said investigator will also focus on claims of vote-buying, but did not elaborate. The incident likely stemmed from the rivalry between supporters of the politician and our policemen. There were also reports of vote-buying that turned into an ugly confrontation, he said in an interview on dwIZ radio. —VS, GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT