4 cops tagged in local bet’s slay sacked

MANILA, Philippines — The four police officers implicated in the killing of a lcoal candidate and her husband in San Fernando, Cebu on Feb. 13 have been relieved from their post, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

S/Sgts. Rene Catamora, Junrey Ypil, Junrey Batobalonos and Master Sgt. Alvin Enad were placed under the custody of the Central Visayas police. They were charged with robbery and multiple homicide before the Cebu provincial prosecutor’s office.

“They are relieved from their posts to avoid any undue influence while there is an ongoing probe,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.

Along with former policeman Esmeraldo Quillo, the four policemen were tagged in the killing of barangay kagawad Ma. Louela Barangui-an, who was running for town councilor, and her husband Pedro at their residence in Barangay Panadtaran on Feb. 13.

Only Enad remained at large.

Carlos said administrative complaints against the policemen would be endorsed to the regional office of the PNP Internal Affairs Service.