Batangas town police chief sacked over killing

BATANGAS, Philippines – The police chief of Laurel town in this province has been relieved of his post following the killing of five men in his turf Monday morning, authorities said. 

Senior Superintendent Omega Jireh Fidel, Batangas police director, said Senior Inspector Ireneo Bajado lost his post based on the “one-strike policy” on sensational cases of the Philippine National Police.

Bajado will be replaced by Senior Inspector Ariel Asurin as Laurel police chief.

Bajado’s relief came after the bullet-riddled bodies of five men were found in an owner-type jeep in Laurel town early Monday morning. 

The five were identified as Joebert Lincallo, Dante Mayuga, Manolito Cudra, Michael Palbacal and Exequiel Marimat, all residents of Luksuhin Ibaba, Alfonso, Cavite.

Fidel said they are looking at robbery as possible motive as the P50,000 cash that the victims were carrying was reported missing.

Sources though said a gambling turf war could have something to do with the killing.

Fidel said the victims had just attended a wake in Laurel town and was heading home to Alfonso, Cavite when they were killed in Barangay Ticub in Laurel. He said there were no signs of firefight. – With Ed Amoroso