Valenzuela police chief fired; 9 others face ax

MANILA, Philippines — The police chief of Valenzuela has been relieved from his post due to several lapses he allegedly committed.

Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin sacked Col. Nixon Cayaban, who was replaced by Col. Relly Arnedo.

“Cayaban is under investigation for a series of lapses,” Aberin said in a message on Viber.

He did not elaborate on the mistakes that Cayaban allegedly made as Valenzuela police chief.

Aberin said 28 police commanders in Metro Manila are under investigation for operational lapses and violations.

Of the number, he said nine officers with the ranks of major and captain would be relieved from their posts once the PNP gets clearance from the Commission on Elections.

Among these infractions are unmanned police assistance desks, abandoned outposts and police personnel using cell phones while on duty.

Stressing the importance of transparency and accountability, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil reminded unit commanders of their responsibility to ensure accurate and honest reporting.

Retired general missing? PNP checking

Meanwhile, police are looking into the alleged disappearance of a retired PNP general.

Marbil ordered a probe into the case of retired Brig. Gen. Jerry Valeroso following social media posts that the latter has been missing.

“We have to check it,” he said.

Nida Valeroso, who claims to be the former police general’s wife, said in a Facebook post over the weekend that he has been missing for nearly two months.

She appealed for anyone with information on Valeroso’s whereabouts to coordinate with her.

There was another Facebook post from a netizen who said Valeroso was last seen alive on April 6 in a vehicle with his security escort in Cavite.

Valeroso was among the key witnesses who recanted his testimony in one of the drug cases against former senator Leila de Lima before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.