Rizal PNP on alert over town mayor's suspension

MANILA, Philippines - Police in Rizal province are on alert for possible eruption of tension following a new suspension order on Rodriguez town mayor Pedro Cuerpo. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that the local Philippine National Police (PNP) is wary of another round of confrontations between supporters of Cuerpo and Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III. Cuerpo and Ynares had clashed earlier this year over a new landfill facility hosted by the Rodriguez town government. While Cuerpo faces yet another suspension due to a graft case filed against him and several others before the Sandiganbayan, he said the 90-day suspension is not yet final. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Rodriguez residents in connection with the demolition of 60 temporary tents along Mango River in Burgos village by the municipal government. Earlier reports said the Sandiganbayan ordered the suspension based on Ombudsman Special Assistant Prosecutor Maria Janina Hidalgo's petition. Also suspended were municipal engineer Fernando Rono, barangay chairman Salvador Simbulan and police officer Renato Evasco. - GMANews.TV