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MANILA, Philippines — Birthday boy Zamboanga City police chief Senior Supt Jose Chiquito Malayo has been relieved from his post, Police Regional Office 9 spokesperon Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca told Rappler on Wednesday, October 2.
Reached for comment, Malayo said he is not aware that he was already relieved. He is on leave and celebrating his birthday in Cebu.
“I’m not sure. I’m in Cebu. I’m just an OIC (officer-in-charge) so anytime I can be replaced,” Malayo told Rappler.
Hundreds of armed MNLF fighters entered Zamboanga on September 9. They aimed to hoist their flag at the city hall. The government discovered the plot one day in advance after the police captured 6 armed MNLF wearing their uniforms. Group and naval blockades were set up to prevent them from marching to the city hall.
Malayo assumed as Zamboanga City police chief on July 4 this year, or two months before the MNLF attack.
Huesca maintained that the Philippine National Police appreciates Malayo’s efforts in persuading 23 MNLF to surrender at the height of the siege. Earlier, police deputy director general for operations Felipe Rojas Jr said the Philippine National Police is “deliberating a reward and commendation” for Malayo.
“But there are things he has to explain,” Huesca said without elaborating.
READ: Hostaged? Zambo top cop doesn’t look like it
The surrender of the 23 MNLF members was controversial because Malayo was reportedly hostaged by the group. He re-appeared hours later with the MNLF rebels.
“I will give my official statement after my birthday leave,” Malayo said.
On the 20th day, the government declared the crisis over even when MNLF stragglers remained in the combat zone. — Rappler.com
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