Two La Union police officials relieved amid Eriguel slay probe

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has ordered the relief of two officials in La Union province in connection with the ongoing investigation into the killing of former congressman Eufranio "Franny" Eriguel.

Police Regional Office 1 director Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said the relieved officials were La Union Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Genaro Sapiera and Agoo Police head Chief Inspector Alfredo Padilla Jr.

Sapitula said the two police officials were relieved to give way to a new and stronger leadership in the La Union provincial police command.

"Para naman mabigyan po ng bagong liderato 'yung La Union provincial command kasi gusto naming mapalakas 'yung liderato niyan. Ayaw naming maulit muli 'yung ganung sitwasyon," Sapitula said.

Eriguel was gunned down two days before the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, after delivering a speech at a miting de avance in Barangay Capas in Agoo.

A suspect identified as Felizardo Villaneuva alias Rambo, who ran as barangay captain and lost in the recent elections, has been arrested by the police. He was charged with three counts of murder.

Sapitula said the police leadership is conducting an investigation whether there were lapses on the part the two relieved officials.

"'Yan 'yung tinitingnan natin kaya ni-relieve na muna natin sila. Titingnan muna natin. Hindi ko muna masasabi kung may lapses sila o wala," he said.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said the relief of two cops of La Union was "part of the PNP leadership's prerogative to ensure a thorough investigation of the assassination of ex-congressman Eriguel and other victims."

Sapiera will be replaced by Senior Superintendent Adolfo Rafanan while Padilla will be replaced by Chief Inspector Bernabe Oribello.

The order took effect on Saturday, May 19. —ALG/KG, GMA News