Cop chief relieved over terror attack

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The chief of police of Datu Piang town in this province was relieved fom his post following an attack by terrorists, who burned their patrol vehicle and opened fire at buildings in the area.

Capt. Israel Bayona was replaced by Maj. Alexander Butuan as chief of Datu Piang police, according to Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, chief of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police.

Residents said Bayona was the target of the terrorists.

The armed men raided the town proper on Thursday, opened fire at houses and torched a patrol vehicle and a roadside outpost.

The municipal peace and order council said Bayona’s relief was expected to ease the tension between the local police and the Dawlah Islamiya terror group.