Bayawan police force relieved amid hunt for suspects in Degamo slay

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday that personnel of the Bayawan City Police Station have been relieved as pursuit operations for the remaining suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo continue.

According to the PNP, PLtCol Stephen Amamaguid will take over as chief of police from PLtCol Rex Aboy Moslares.

Moslares, along with 74 personnel of the police station, have been relieved so far, with more set in the coming days. They were replaced with personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

PLtCol Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Special Investigation Task Group Degamo, said those relieved will undergo a 30-day Character and Aptitude Development Training program (CADET).

In a briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said changes in the police force in the area where Degamo was killed could be expected to ensure the ongoing operation and investigation into the incident would not be hampered.

"All of Negros Island is sealed" due to the ongoing hot pursuit operations, according to Pelare.

PNP deputy chief for administration PLtGen Rhodel Sermonia, meanwhile, said the there is an increased police presence in Negros Oriental to maintain peace and order.