THE MAKABAYAN bloc in Congress has called for the removal of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar D. Albayalde from his post following the joint operation in Negros Oriental of government forces where 14 farmers, allegedly supporters of communist rebels, were killed. They said the relief of the provincial police chief and three other station heads as a probe on the incident is conducted was not enough. “We call on the immediate, hindi lang yung pagtanggal sa mga (not just the relief of) local police chiefs, kundi pati rin ang pagtanggal dapat kay (but also the removal of) General Albayalde,” said Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Ariel B. Casilao in a press briefing on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Mr. Albayalde ordered the administrative relief of the local police officers. Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate claimed that the operation against the farmers was “an electoral strategy” to divert votes from progressive party-lists and candidates in the May midterm elections. Mr. Albayalde has yet to give a response as of this posting. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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