MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – After their station was allegedly raided by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the cops from Lapinig town police station in Northern Samar lost their posts on Friday, August 10.

Fired along with them is their chief of police, Inspector Noli Montebon, provincial director Romeo Campomanes, and after deliberation from Camp Crame, their regional director Chief Superintendent Mariel Magaway.

This was announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana in a statement to reporters Friday afternoon.

Why were they sacked? According to Durana, the massive sacking was executed “as an investigation went underway into the circumstances surrounding the raid.”

“First, we have a one strike policy. Second, the incident will be subjected to thorough invest to establish to responsibility. Their relief will pave the way for an impartial investigation,” Albayalde explained to Rappler in a text message.

The sacking does not appear to be temporary as Albayalde has already picked a replacement for fired regional chief Magaway: Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, who used to head the PNP Aviation Security Group and the Public Information Office.

About the raid: The PNP has yet to capture at least one suspect to verify the identity of the group and the circumstances of the raid, but they are already claiming that all of them are communist mutineers.

In an interview with reporters on Friday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said communist rebels have intensified assaults after peace negotiations with communist leaders collapsed, which paved the way for “localized peace talks.” – Rappler.com