Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., ordered an investigation into the Tuesday night incident involving Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo and municipal police chief, Police Chief Inspector Alan Reloj.

He noted, the vice mayor is not listed as a known drug personality in the province and said claims of links to the New People’s Army (NPA) are unproven.

Castil has since assigned former Cadiz City Police Station chief, Police Superintendent Edel Jose Manzano, who was earlier named in the supplemental Ricky Serenio affidavit, to lead the investigation into the incident.

The NOPPO chief also said Reloj would remain in his current post but may be relieved from duty if suspicious activity is revealed in the probe.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Alain Gatuslao questioned the actions taken by police, saying they may have broken checkpoint protocol and echoed allegations made by Garcia-Yulo, claiming she was forcefully removed from her vehicle.

He said police cannot order occupants to exit their vehicle except in cases where illegal items are visible or law enforcement is in possession of a warrant./DGB, WDJ