At least 50 policemen assigned in Bamban, Tarlac were sacked from their posts, a move that is believed to be connected to the filing of charges and eventually the suspension of Mayor Alice Guo over allegations of link to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in the area.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. confirmed the relief of the 50 policemen assigned to the Bamban Municipal Police Station.
Police Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo, Jr., director of the Police Regional Office (PRO3) presided over the turnover ceremony of the relieved cops and their replacements from the police mobile forces units in nearby areas on Monday morning.
According to Hidalgo, all the relieved policemen will undergo values formation seminars which is part of the internal cleansing program of the Philippine National Police.
The relief order came after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the six-month preventive suspension against Guo and several other local officials of Bamban town over the alleged illegal POGO operation in the town.
The POGO establishment in Bamban was raided a few months ago and Guo was linked to its alleged illegal operation after an electric bill and a car registered under her name were discovered inside.
Guo has been the subject of Senate investigation over the incident, including questions on her citizenship.